commotions of the soul. The cold philosophy of the Maxims marked
perhaps the reaction of his intellect against the disenchanting
experiences of his life. In the tranquil atmosphere of Mme. de
Sable he found a certain mental equilibrium; but his character
was finally tempered and softened by the gentle influence of Mme.
de La Fayette, whose exquisite poise and delicacy were singularly
in harmony with a nature that liked nothing in exaggeration. "I
have seen him weep with a tenderness that made me adore him,"
writes Mme. de Sevigne, after the death of his mother. "The
heart or M. de La Rochefoucauld for his family is a thing
incomparable." When the news came that his favorite grandson had
been killed in battle, she says again: "I have seen his heart
laid bare in this cruel misfortune; he ranks first among all I
have ever known for courage, fortitude, tenderness, and reason; I
count for nothing his esprit and his charm." In all the
confidences of the two women, La Rochefoucauld makes a third. He
seems always to be looking over the shoulder of Mme. de La
Fayette while she writes to the one who "satisfies his idea of
friendship in all its circumstances and dependences"; adding
usually a message, a line or a pretty compliment to Mme. de
Grignan that is more amiable than sincere, because he knows it
will gladden the heart of her adoring mother.

The side of Mme. de La Fayette which has the most fascination for
us is this intimate life of which Mme. de Sevigne gives such
charming glimpses. For a moment it was her ambition to establish
a popular salon, a role for which she had every requisite of
position, talent, and influence. "She presumed very much upon
her esprit," says Gourville, who did not like her, "and proposed
to fill the place of the Marquise de Sable, to whom all the young