Once more she urged me not to be dazzled by the glitter of society, to
be always on my guard, especially against what most attracted me. This
is the sum-total of her wisdom, and I can get nothing more out of her.
Her lectures, therefore, become a trifle monotonous, and she might be
compared in this respect to the bird which has only one cry.



III

THE SAME TO THE SAME
December.

My Darling,--Here I am ready to make my bow to the world. By way of
preparation I have been trying to commit all the follies I could think
of before sobering down for my entry. This morning, I have seen
myself, after many rehearsals, well and duly equipped--stays, shoes,
curls, dress, ornaments,--all in order. Following the example of
duelists before a meeting, I tried my arms in the privacy of my
chamber. I wanted to see how I would look, and had no difficulty in
discovering a certain air of victory and triumph, bound to carry all
before it. I mustered all my forces, in accordance with that splendid
maxim of antiquity, "Know thyself!" and boundless was my delight in
thus making my own acquaintance. Griffith was the sole spectator of
this doll's play, in which I was at once doll and child. You think you
know me? You are hugely mistaken.

Here is a portrait, then, Renee, of your sister, formerly disguised as
a Carmelite, now brought to life again as a frivolous society girl.
She is one of the greatest beauties in France--Provence, of course,