Page:Letters of Mlle. de Lespinasse.djvu/93

76 No, I do not think you "sly" [fin]; I think, as you do, that slyness is always a proof of famine of mind ; but I do think you stupid for not understanding that which has been clearly designated to you. What matters his name ? enough that it does not injure that which I have told you of himself. What surprises me is that I have named him to you a score of times ; this proves to me, what I did not believe, that I can mention his name like that of any other man; but I shall be still more surprised if, when you return, you cannot distinguish him among the others ; for I assure you he is not made to be lost in a crowd ; you will see.

I saw the Chevalier d'Aguesseau to-day, and was proud to be able to give him news of you. With the other persons who expect to hear from you I have a contrary feeling. I fear to seem to them more fortunate than they, and thus get you blamed ; for most women have no need of being loved, they only want to be preferred.

I shall be very glad to see the Chevalier de Chastellux once more ; still, if I could add to his journey what I desire to subtract from yours, I should not see him soon. Observe, I beg of you, how I reverse the chronological order : I have loved the chevalier these eight years. Adieu ; I have not told you that I am ill as a dumb animal ; but my soul suffers less, therefore I must not complain.

Sunday, August 8, 1773.

What folly to go in search of you, to send my letter to await you in Breslau, where you will be occupied with the king, the troops, your successes, etc., and nothing will incline you to cast your eyes on Paris. I am wrong ; Paris is too grand to be forgotten, but me you would overlook in the crowd. Nevertheless, if I did not fear to grieve you I should say : " There is no one who regrets you more sincerely than I." Every one is busy or dissipating. I alone, I believe,