Yes, Madame, without doubt the interest of those who are dear to us is able to make us support with courage the most cruel disappointments. Have I not myself taken all the steps that could possibly be useful to Mons. d’ Ostalis? If I could be sure that Adelaide would be happier two thousand leagues from me, do you think I should hesitate a moment to separate myself from her? I should not even then sacrifice all my felicity to her; in securing her's, I could not think myself unhappy.

I shall only receive my particular friends here; I have brought with me a Miniature Painter, the only Master Adelaide wants at present; for I can supply the place of all the others. Mons. Leblanc, Mons. d' Almane's Steward, will stay six months with us, and will give my daughter some general knowledge of those affairs in which a woman may find herself engaged. So it is recommended by the wisest and best of Instructors, ‘It is right,’ says Mons. de Fenelon, 'that young people should know something of the principal rules of the laws; for example, the difference there is between a Will and a Deed of Gift; what is the meaning of a Contract, an Entail, a Division, and Coheirs; the principal laws of the country where we live, and the customs which render these acts valid; what is meant by Property, by Community, by real and personal Estates. If they are married, their principal business will turn upon these things … Girls of family and large fortunes ought to be instructed in the duties of their situation … With regard to these estates, it is right to teach them what they may do, in order to avoid being cheated, and all those artifices so common in the country. Add to this the means by which they may establish little schools and hospitals for the sick and poor.