Madam de Beuzenval was a very good kind of woman, but of a confined
understanding, and too full of her illustrious Polish nobility: she
had no idea of the respect due to talents. On this occasion, likewise,
she judged me by my manner rather than by my dress, which, although
very plain, was very neat, and by no means announced a man to dine
with servants. I had too long forgotten the way to the place where
they eat to be inclined to take it again. Without suffering my anger
to appear, I told Madam de Beuzenval that I had an affair of a
trifling nature which I had just recollected obliged me to return
home, and I immediately prepared to depart. Madam de Broglie
approached her mother, and whispered in her ear a few words which
had their effect. Madam de Beuzenval rose to prevent me from going,
and said "I expect that you will do us the honor to dine with us."
In this case I thought to show pride would be a mark of folly, and I
determined to stay. The goodness of Madam de Broglie had besides
made an impression upon me, and rendered her interesting in my eyes. I
was very glad to dine with her, and hoped, that when she knew me
better, she would not regret having procured me that honor. The
President de Lamoignon, very intimate in the family, dined there also.
He, as well as Madam de Broglie, was a master of all the modish and
fashionable small talk jargon of Paris. Poor Jean-Jacques was unable
to make a figure in this way. I had sense enough not to pretend to it,
and was silent.
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