r piquant fascination. She delighted in original
turns of expression, which were sometimes far-fetched and artificial.
One of her friends said that "she made herself the victim of
consideration, and lost it by running after it." Her rule of life may
be offered as a model. "In conduct, simplicity and reason; in manners,
propriety and decorum; in actions, justice and generosity; in the use
of wealth, economy and liberality; in conversation, clearness, truth,
precision; in adversity, courage and pride; in prosperity, modesty
and moderation." Unfortunately she did not put all this wisdom into
practice, if we judge her by present standards. We have a glimpse of the
famous circle over which she presided in an interesting picture formerly
at Versailles, now at the Louvre. The figures are supposed to be
portraits. Among others are Mme. de Luxembourg, the Comtesse de
Boufflers, and the lovely but ill-fated young stepdaughter, Amelie,
Comtesse de Lauzun, to whom she is so devoted; the beautiful Comtesse
d'Egmont, Mme. de Beauvan, President Henault, the witty Pont de Veyle,
Mairan, the versatile scientist, and the Prince de Conti. In the midst
of this group the little Mozart, whose genius was then delighting
Europe, sits at the harpsichord. The chronicles of the time give us
pleasant descriptions of the literary diversions of this society, which
met by turns at the Temple and Ile-Adam. But the Prince as well as
the clever Comtesse had a strong leaning towards philosophy, and
the amusements were interspersed with much conversation of a serious
character that has a peculiar interest today when read by the light of
after events.

Among the numerous salons of the noblesse there was one which calls for
more than a passing word, both on account of its world-wide fame and the
exceptional brilliancy of its hostess. Though far less democratic and
cosmopolitan than that of Mme. Geoffrin, with which it was contemporary,
its character was equally distinct and original. Linked by birth
with the oldest of the nobility, allied by intellect with the most
distinguished in the world of letters, Mme. du Deffand appropriated the
best in thought, while retaining the spirit of an elegant and refined
social life. She was exclusive by nature and instinct, as well as by
tradition, and could not dispense with the arts and amenities which
are the fruit of generations of ease; but the energy and force of her
intellect could as little tolerate shallowness and