64 



command led to endless trouble, and bitter recrimina- 

 tions between him and Montcalm. De Levis' accom- 

 modating ideas on matrimony are amusingly set forth 

 in a letter he addressed to a powerful lady friend in 

 France, Madame la Marechale de Mirepoix. We trans- 

 late : — 



» * With respect to the marriage that the Chevalier 

 de Mesnon has proposed to you for me, you know I 

 never had much inclination for matrimony. I would 

 dread marrying some one you might not like, and that 

 would imbitter the remainder of my life. If you can 

 select for me a wife, I will take her readily, provided 

 she meets with your approval. So you can reply as 

 you think proper to the Chevalier de Mesnon, whose 

 friendship and remembrance I will ever prize. Should 

 his selection not please you and you should come across 

 another person to your fancy, you can arrange as you 

 like. I will honour any arrangement you may make. 

 This is all I have to say on this subject. Rest assured 

 I wish I could find a mate as attached to you as I am. 



" We are likely to be vigorously attacked and will 

 fight to the death." 



After hearing such a candid declaration of this Platonic 

 but brave Komeo, one is led to regret that the French 

 match-maker, Madame la Mardchale de Mirepoix, did 

 not send the Chevalier a brand-new French wife from 

 Paris. 



It might possibly have deterred the gallant son of 

 Mars from carrying away to France the handsome, 

 Madame Penissault, the daughter of a Montreal trader 

 and the mistress of Major Pean, " qui se dedomma- 

 geait, " say the Memoirs, " sur les femmes de ses 

 subordonnes." The Pompadour regime evidendly was 

 not limited to France. Its close on the Heights of 

 Abraham was .in more ways than one, beneficial to 

 Canada. (The Week). 



Quebec, 1892. 



