an absolute despotism, as the only solution of the political
difficulties of the State consistent with its greatness, and,
probably, even with its unity. The opposition of the nobles to the
diminution of their power was carried on with far greater boldness
and grandeur of personal effect, inasmuch as it was done without
directly affronting the monarchical authority in the persons of its
weak representatives, Louis XIII. and Anne of Austria. The two great
ministers were the objects against which the whole wrath of the
nobility was directed. Hence the war against encroaching monarchy was
in great part waged in the court itself; and the king and the queen-
regent were themselves found from time to time in the ranks of the
indignant aristocracy. Here, then, was a wonderful field for
individual effect; and that field was open to women no less, or even
more, than to men; for the struggle on the part of the latter was,
upon the whole, a selfish and ignoble one. No national idea inspired
it; every one was for himself and his house; and the women were
perfectly able to sympathize and assist in quarrels of this personal
and intelligible interest. In these days, too, rose Port-Royal, with
its female reformers, saints, and theologians, offering an asylum to
weary and repentant worldliness and passion, or a fresh field for
vanity which had exhausted its ordinary irritants. On every side lay
great temptations and great opportunities; and the women of the
period seem to have been endowed with singular qualifications for the
illustration of both."

The historic tradition of her great, lovely, brilliant, accomplished
women is one chief reason why friendships of women with men are more
common and important in France than in most other countries. Besides,
the French are a more ideal people than others; live more from the
brain, less from the spinal axis; take a deeper delight in the mere
social reflection and echoing of life. And in this, on account of
their instinctive swiftness of susceptibility, perception, and
adroitness, refined women can have no rivals in the other sex. The
luxury of the British is taciturnity; but to this day the favorite
excitement of the French is conversation; and conversation is the
food of friendship.

The inner history of the Catholic Church, so wealthy in many
departments of experience, is especially rich in an original class of
profound friendships of men and women, friendships between devout
ladies and