, j'en ferais grand
usage. Il est malin sans etre mechant; il est officieux, poli; hors
son milord March, il n'aime rien: on ne saurait former aucune
liaison avec lui, mais on est bien aise de l'encontrer, d'etre avec
lui dans le meme chambre, quoi qu'on n'ait rien a lui dire." *

* "Correspondance complete de Mme. du Deffand," vol. i. p. 87.

There is a popular idea that in the eighteenth century England and
France were essentially hostile nations, immemorial enemies, yet at
no time had there been more sympathy between two sections of society
than there existed between the governing and fashionable men and
women of Paris and London; in literature, art, and dress they held
the same opinions. Englishmen braved the Channel and underwent the
fatigue and trouble of the two land journeys with cheerfulness in
order to enjoy the society of St. Germain. They were received not as
strange travellers, but as valued friends.

Of this francophile feeling of the eighteenth century Selwyn was the
most remarkable example. He was as much at home in the salon of Mme.
du Deffand, or at one of President Henault's famous little dinners,
as in the drawing-room of Holland House or the card-room at
Brooks's. He introduced Walpole and Crawford to French society,
adding to the social and literary connection between Paris and
London during a time when political ties were broken. He was a
favourite, too, with the French Queen.* Under date of February 10,
1764, the Earl of March writes to him from Fontainebleau: "The Queen
asked Madame de Mirepoix--si elle n'avoit pas beaucoup entendu me
dire de Monsieur Selwyn et elle? Elle a repondu, oui, beaucoup,
Madame. J'en suis bien aise, dit la Reine."

* Maria Leschitinskey, daughter of Stanislaus, King of Poland, and
Queen of Louis XV.

The correspondence of Mme. du Deffand contains frequent allusions to
the intimacy between the first English and French society of the
period. David Hume, Lord Ossory, Lady Hervey, Lord March, the Duke
of York,* and other well-known English names, are mingled with
Rousseau, Voltaire, d'Alembert, and the Duc and Duchesse de
Choiseul. This oddly assorted company moves in the world of M. de
Maurepas and of the Duc d'Aiguillon, and is seen in the charming
salons of Mme. Geoffrin and Mme. d'Epinay; the beauty of Lady
Pembroke is commented on, the charm of Lady Sarah Bunbury analysed,
Lady Grenville eulogised.

* Edward, Duke of York (1739-1767), brother of George III., v