This favouritism was even accused; the queen was calumniated in her very friendships.
The Princesse de Lamballe, a widow at eighteen, free from any suspicion of levity, above all ambition and every interest from her rank and fortune, loved the queen as a friend.

The more adverse were the fortunes of Marie Antoinette, the more did her young favourite desire to share them with her.

It was not greatness, but misfortune, that attracted her.
_Surintendante_ of the household, she lodged in the Tuileries, in an apartment adjacent to the queen, to share with her her tears and her dangers.

She was sometimes obliged to be absent in order to go to the Chateau de Vernon to watch over the old Duc de Penthievre.

The queen, who foresaw the coming storm, had written to her some days before the 20th of June a touching letter, entreating her not to return.