123 
du Barri with Louis XV., he married the daughter of the Count — 
de Tournou ; of an illustrious family, and a branch of the house 
of the famous Cardinal of that name. The Prince de Soubise 
(their kinsman and a near relation of the lady) took her from a 
convent to effect this marriage ; and I was witness to the indigna- 
tion of the French nobility against an alliance so degrading to her. 
The Viscountess du Barri was of a charming figure, and of 
dazzling beauty ; she had a noble air and much sweetness, joined 
to great ease and dignity of manners. Her conduct was irre- 
proachable. . . . . The Viscount was called to Court. He 
was cornet in the light horse ; the king admitted him to his 
private parties, and bestowed many caresses upon lim. He 
conducted himself with so much prudence and modesty that he 
did not participate in the hatred which was attached to his name. 
He was, however, overwhelmed in the disgrace of his family upon 
the death of the king; for after the accession of Louis XVI. he 
appeared no more at Court. 
In 1778 he wasat Spa fvith his wife and _ sister-in-law, 
Mademoiselle de Tournou; who was about fifteen years old, 
handsome; full of grace, and particularly excelled in dancing of 
which she was passionately fond. 
They earnestly pressed the Count de Rice, an Irish gentleman, 
to come with them. Count de Rice was a nephew of Marshal 
Lascy ; had lived much abroad where he had mixed in the best 
companies ; and for eight years had been very intimate with the 
Viscount du Barri. They were likewise accompanied by Mr. 
Toole, an Irish gentleman in the French service. Upon their 
arrival in Bath they took a handsome house. Mrs. Damer came 
to visit them and introduced them to her friends. They kept 
open house, had parties and suppers, lived at a great expense, and, 
it was said, had great resources. In reality, besides a considerable 
credit which the Viscount had upon a banker in London, he was 
fortunate at play, particularly at favo; which, though it was 
prohibited in England, was sometimes played at his house. . . . 
