Page:Letters of Mlle. de Lespinasse.djvu/152

1774] your present situation are very reasonable ; but if you concern yourself about the future you are even more sure to find subjects for hope than motives for fear. It seems to me that men of merit never had finer chances before them; with virtue, ideas, and talent they can pretend to anything. This is not the moment for discouragement ; on the contrary, they should come forward now with confidence, not to seek favours, but to make themselves known and to get justice done to them."

With regard to the late complete upsetting in the domains [the matter of " farms " and farmers-general], I find it difficult to believe that M. Turgot will, in any respect, follow or execute the projects of the Abb^ Terrai. If, however, the impossible happens, and he should choose to carry out that plan, M. de Vaines will be in the way of doing you service. He will do the impossible to oblige you ; he has a particular attraction towards you ; I never see him that he does not ask for news of you ; the day of your departure I received a note from him in which were these words : " I entreat you to send me news of yourself and of M. de Guibert, who greatly interests those who love a frank and ardent soul that springs on all sides towards glory." I wanted to send you these words, and then I was deterred by an interest that does not allow of words. You ought to write to M. de Vaiaes ; not on his good fortune, for it is just the reverse ; he has sacrificed his own interests to his friendship for M. Turgot and his love for the public good ; in a word, he was led away by his desire to assist in that good ; he has had the activity of virtue ; but now that a little calmness has returned he sees himself burdened with a sad labour.

I do not contend against your projects for the future, — it does not exist for me ; from that you will rightly believe that I cannot rouse myself to foresee or fear for others. In gen-