ONE:The young princes and princesses, however, in spite of the disputes, jealousies, and quarrels that occurred amongst them, agreed in amusing themselves very well together. They gave balls, theatricals and f��tes of all kinds; the Queen was very fond of cards, and gambling went on to an extent which, with the money spent on f��tes and in other still more reprehensible ways, especially by the Comte d��Artois, though it could have passed as a matter of course under former reigns, now increased the irritation and discontent which every year grew stronger and more dangerous. For the distress amongst the lower orders was terrible; for years marriages and the birthrate had been decreasing in an alarming manner; the peasants declaring that it was no use bringing into the world children to be as miserable as themselves.However, she allowed herself to be persuaded: she went with her aunt constantly to Raincy, the country place just bought by the Duc d��Orl��ans; she was attracted by the gentle, charming Duchesse de Chartres, she listened to the representations of the advantages she might secure for her children, and at length she laid the case before Mme. de Puisieux, who, unselfishly putting away the consideration of her own grief at their separation, and thinking only of the advantages to F��licit�� and her family, advised her to accept the position offered her.