Page:Sévigné - Letters to her Daughter and Friends, 1869.djvu/26



Rh I exact but one condition : that you own the thing as it has happened. This is a very generous proceeding on my part ; you can no longer call me a little brute.

M. de Montausier has just been appointed governor to the Dauphin.

Je t'ai comblé de biens, je t'en veux accabler.

Adieu, count. Now I have conquered you, I shall everywhere proclaim that you are the bravest man in France ; and whenever extraordinary duels are mentioned, I shall relate ours. My daughter sends her compliments. The idea you express of her good fortune in the late affair is some consolation to us.

, December 4, 1668.

Have you not received the letter, sir, in which I gave you life, disdaining to kill you at my feet ? I expected an answer to this noble action ; but you have thought it unworthy your notice: you have contented yourself with rising from the ground, and taking your sword as I commanded you. I hope you will never again employ it against me.

I must tell you a piece of news that will, I am sure, give you pleasure. It is, that the prettiest girl in France is going to be married, not to the handsomest youth, but to one of the worthiest men in the kingdom — to M. de Grignan, whom you have long known. All his wives died to give place to your cousin ; and, through extraordinary kindness, even his father and mother died too ; so that knowing him to be richer than ever, and finding him besides, by birth, situation, and good qualities, every thing we could wish, we have not trafficked with him, as is customary, on the occasion, but confided in the two families that have gone before us. He seems very well pleased with the alliance, and, as soon as we have heard been given. The new difference to which she alludes seems to have been a slight one.