The suppression of the school at Ecouen had deprived her of her position; the most absurd calumnies followed her into her retreat; her attachment to the Queen was suspected; she was accused not only of ingratitude but of perfidy.

Slander has little effect on youth, but in the decline of life its darts are envenomed with a mortal poison.

The wounds which Madame Campan had received were deep.

Her sister, Madame Auguie, had destroyed herself; M.Rousseau, her brother-in-law, had perished, a victim of the reign of terror.

In 1813 a dreadful accident had deprived her of her niece, Madame de Broc, one of the most amiable and interesting beings that ever adorned the earth.