She came on horseback, and dressed in
men's clothes. Although I am not very fond of this kind of masquerade,
I was struck with the romantic appearance she made, and, for once,
it was with love. As this was the first and only time in all my
life, the consequence of which will forever render it terrible to my
remembrance, I must take the permission to enter into some particulars
on the subject.
The Countess d'Houdetot was nearly thirty years of age, and not
handsome; her face was marked with the smallpox, her complexion
coarse, she was short-sighted, and her eyes were rather round; but she
had fine long black hair, which hung down in natural curls below her
waist; her figure was agreeable, and she was at once both awkward
and graceful in her motions; her wit was natural and pleasing; to this
gayety, heedlessness and ingenuousness were perfectly suited: she
abounded in charming sallies, after which she so little sought, that
they sometimes escaped her lips in spite of herself. She possessed
several agreeable talents, played the harpsichord, danced well, and
wrote pleasing poetry. Her character was angelic- this was founded
upon a sweetness of mind, and except prudence and fortitude, contained
in it every virtue. She was besides so much to be depended upon in all
intercourse, so faithful in society, even her enemies were not under
the necessity of concealing from her their secrets. I mean by her
enemies the men, or rather the women, by whom she was not beloved; for
as to herself she had not a heart capable of hatred, and I am of
opinion this conformity with mine greatly contributed towards
inspiring me with a passion for her.
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