Chapter XI: Letter X: PARIS, January 7, 1669

It is as true that I did not receive an answer to the letter in which I gave you life, as that I was in pain, lest, with the best intention possible to pardon you, I had unintentionally killed you, being little accustomed to wield a sword. This was the only good reason I could assign to myself for your silence. In the mean time you had written, though your letter had never reached me. Allow me still to regret the circumstance. You always write pleasantly; and if I had wished to lose any portion of your correspondence, it would not have been that letter. I am glad you approve of the marriage with M. de Grignan; he is a very good man, and very gentlemanly--has wealth, rank, holds a high office, and is much esteemed and respected by the world. What more is necessary? I think we are fortunate, and as you are of the same opinion, sign the deed I sent you; and be assured, my dear cousin, that if it depended on me, you should be first at the entertainment. How admirably well you would act your part! Since you left us, I have heard no wit equal to yours, and I have said to myself a thousand times, “Good heavens, what a difference!” War[10] is talked of, and it is said the king will take the field in person.

[10] It was a vague report. No idea was yet entertained of
breaking the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle, concluded only seven
months before. But it was in contemplation to interfere in the
quarrel between the Count Palatin and the Duke of Lorraine, and
force the latter to lay down his arms.

LETTERS TO MADAME DE GRIGNAN[11]

FROM 1671 TO 1690.

[11] Margaret de Sévigné, only daughter of Madame de Sévigné,
was born in 1649, a short time before her father was killed.
The education and happiness of this “lovely and infinitely
dear child,” was the occupation, delight, and anxiety of the
mother’s long life. For her, Madame de Sévigné thought, read,
observed, and wrote. The following letters are not only charming
as specimens of epistolary style, but also full of interest and
instruction to those who would study the human mind in its most
sacred development of maternal love.