Beaumarchais and the war of American independence . formed these duties, the nation cheerfully allowedthem the prerogatives of their rank, and the means of grati-fying their luxurious tastes. It was therefore into this august family circle that Beau-marchais entered, to be for several years the central figureof all its pastimes and amusements. Gudin tells us that atthis time Mesdames were in the habit of giving a weekly con-cert at which the King, Queen and Dauphin were presentand to which a very select company was invited. These concerts were arranged and superintended by Beau-marchais who se
Beaumarchais and the war of American independence . formed these duties, the nation cheerfully allowedthem the prerogatives of their rank, and the means of grati-fying their luxurious tastes. It was therefore into this august family circle that Beau-marchais entered, to be for several years the central figureof all its pastimes and amusements. Gudin tells us that atthis time Mesdames were in the habit of giving a weekly con-cert at which the King, Queen and Dauphin were presentand to which a very select company was invited. These concerts were arranged and superintended by Beau-marchais who seems to have been treated by all with markedfavor and esteem. The Dauphin took great pleasure in hiscompany, and on one occasion said of him, He is the onlyman who speaks frankly with me. The Dauphin, as is wellknown, was of an austere nature, and for that reason, doubt-less, valued the honest character of Beaumarchais at its trueworth. In dealing with his royal pupils, Beaumarchais exercisedgreat tact and knew how to mkke them satisfied with them-. Jealou/sy of Courtiers 61 selves and with him. La Harpe says of him: I have seenfew men more favored by nature. His countenance and thetone of his voice were equally ardent, the former illumi-nated by eyes full of fire; there was as much expression inthe accent and the look, as delicacy in the smile, and aboveall, a kind of assurance which was inspired by a conscious-ness of power. These personal gifts, this assurance and skill, even morethan the favor of Mesdames, quickly attracted to him theenmity of those whose high birth alone assured them a re-ception at court. No better idea of the snares set for him,nor of his skill in avoiding them can be given than by quot-ing a few pages from Gudin. One morning as he presented himself to be admitted toMesdames, one of their women ran to meet him. Oh my dear friend you are lost, some one has per-suaded Mesdames that you are on very bad terms with yourfather, that he hsis driven you from his
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