Page:A Biographical Dictionary of the Celebrated Women of Every Age and Country (1804).djvu/747

Rh course of his journey; a conspicuous mark of his esteem, which affected her greatly, and laid the foundation for her regard.

On his return, he repeated his visits, and an intimate friendship was soon established between them: but when, at the end of five years, he pressed her to marriage, she at first declined it, from the most generous motives: she imagined the union might not be agreeable to his family, and she knew that it could not be advantageous; for though brought up to expect a great dowry, an income of five hundred livres a year, and her wardrobe, constituted her sole fortune.

Her father, who was perhaps afraid of being questioned by a son-in-law, concerning the property which he had dissipated, refused his consent to the union, after that of his daughter had been obtained, in consequence of which she retired to a convent, and led an abstemious frugal life. M. Roland, affected, on his return to town, at seeing her appear at the grate, insisted on her immediately becoming his wife; and, after obtaining his suit, loved her more in proportion as he became better acquainted with her many estimable qualities. Her youth and beauty made it necessary to be very circumspect with a man of a suspicious and reserved disposition; but by constantly remaining in his presence, occupied in assisting him, or in congenial employments, she effectually inspired him with confidence: though sometimes wearied with an austerity ill suited to her years and lively imagination, she concealed her ennui, and besides assisting him, went through a course of natural history, applied herself to the study of botany; and, as his health was very delicate, did not scruple to superintend the management of the table, or prepare such dishes with her own hands, as were likely to agree with him.

She became a mother and a nurse, without ceasing to