"It was impossible to induce him to take a strong line, so as to speak resolutely to M.de Vergennes in her presence, and equally so to prevent his changing his mind afterward;[5]" while she distrusted the good faith of the minister so much that, though she resolved to speak to him strongly on the subject, she would not do so till she could discuss the question with him "in the presence of the king, that he might not be able to disfigure or to exaggerate what she said." Yet she did not always find her precautions effectual.

Louis's judgment was always at the mercy of the last speaker.

She assured her brother that "he had abundant reason to be contented with the king's personal feelings on the subject.

When he received the emperor's letter, he spoke to her about it in a way that delighted her.

He regarded Joseph's demands as just, and his motives as most reasonable.