Note 237 — LETTERS TO MADAME DE GRIGNAN[11] FROM 1671 TO 1690. (continued 5)

Madame de Brinon, at that time of the first establishment of St. Cyr, was placed at the head of that house. She had great learning and talents, but an equal portion of pride and ambition. The superior only of the house, she assumed the airs of an abbess. She displayed the most offensive ostentation; she held a court; she opposed Madame de Maintenon, whose dependent she was. These things offended the king, as well as her benefactress. A lettre de cachet obliged her to leave St. Cyr in twenty-four hours.