Page:Memoirs of Margaret Fuller Ossoli (IA memoirsofmargare02fullrich).pdf/204

196 large and so developed a character, and everything that is good in it so really good. I loved, shall always love her.

She looked away, and said, “''Ah! vous m’avez écrit'' une lettre charmante.” This was all the preliminary of our talk, which then went on as if we had always known, one another. She told me, before I went away, that she was going that very day to write to me; that when the servant announced me she did not recognize the name, but after a minute it struck her that it might be La dame Americaine, as the foreigners very commonly call me, for they find my name hard to remember. She was very much pressed for time, as she was then preparing copy for the printer, and, having just returned, there were many applications to see her, but she wanted me to stay then, saying, “It is better to throw things aside, and seize the present moment.” I staid a good part of the day, and was very glad afterwards, for I did not see her again uninterrupted. Another day I was there, and saw her in her circle, Her daughter and another lady were present, and a number of gentlemen. Her position there was of an intellectual woman and good friend, — the same as my own in the circle of my acquaintance as distinguished from my intimates. Her daughter is just about to be married. It is said, there is no congeniality between her and her mother; but for her son she seems to have much love, and he loves and admires her extremely. I understand he has a good and free character, without conspicuous talent.

Her way of talking is just like her writing, — lively, picturesque, with an undertone of deep feeling, and the same skill in striking the nail on the head every now and then with a blow.