In confidence of the most
intimate friendship, I never heard her speak ill of persons who were
absent, nor even of her sister-in-law. She could neither conceal her
thoughts for any one, nor disguise any of her sentiments, and I am
persuaded she spoke of her lover to her husband, as she spoke of him
to her friends and acquaintance, and to everybody without
distinction of persons. What proved, beyond all manner of doubt, the
purity and sincerity of her nature was, that subject to very
extraordinary absences of mind, and the most laughable
inconsiderateness, she was often guilty of some very imprudent ones
with respect to herself, but never in the least offensive to any
person whatsoever.
She had been married very young and against her inclinations to
the Comte d'Houdetot, a man of fashion, and a good officer; but a
man who loved play and chicane, who was not very amiable, and whom she
never loved. She found in M. de Saint Lambert all the merit of her
husband, with more agreeable qualities of mind, joined with virtue and
talents. If anything in the manners of the age can be pardoned, it
is an attachment which duration renders more pure, to which its
effects do honor, and which becomes cemented by reciprocal esteem.
It was a little from inclination, as I am disposed to think, but
much more to please Saint Lambert, that she came to see me. He had
requested her to do it, and there was reason to believe the friendship
which began to be established between us would render this society
agreeable to all three.
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