St. ***

Since you have been at ***, my dear child, I have received two letters from the Count de Roseville; for it is true that I wished to hear news of you from more hands than one; he has very particularly answered all my questions about you and your children. He not only tells me that you are beautiful as the day, but that you have no appearance of sadness nor dejection, and that you was not in the least fatigued with your long voyage. In short, his account intirely agrees with your's, and this confirmation was very necessary to me. I do not doubt your sense; I rely upon your promises; but you know the most trifling and idle tears ought to be excused, when they proceed from real affection.

At length, my dear, the Count de Retel has justified Madame de Limours's prediction. This is the copy of a letter I received from him last night:

'You know, Madame, that to be able to talk on important affairs, it is necessary to have all our senses about us, to have a cool head and a heart free. I am now in that situation, but I have not a moment to lose, if I would profit by it. For near six months, since I had the pleasure of knowing you, I am become less incredulous. I did not believe the education of a young person could contribute to her establishment. It is true I have scarcely till now seen any instance of education which deserved to be looked upon as of importance; but at present I can conceive it very possible for our heads to be quite turned by a person who unites to the most striking talents a cultivated mind, an elegant figure, and an amiable temper. Such a person can equally seduce the most trifling, as well as the wiser men. She has but to shew herself, and she will attract all hearts; she will fix them by making herself known. Why, when we wish to marry, do we only ask for fortune? It is, because it would generally be in vain to demand a good education.