unique figures of a masquerading age this small and ambitious
princess was perhaps the most striking, the most pervading. It
was by no means her aim to take her place in the world as queen
of a salon. Louise-Benedicte de Bourbon belonged to the royal
race, and this was by far the most vivid fact in her life. She
was but a few steps from the throne, and political intrigues
played a conspicuous part in her singular career. But while she
waited for the supreme power to which she aspired, and later,
when the feverish dream of her life was ended, she must be
amused, and her diversions must have an intellectual and
imaginative flavor. Wits, artists, literary men, and savants
were alike welcome at Sceaux, if they amused her and entertained
her guests. "One lived there by esprit, and esprit is my God,"
said Mme. du Deffand, who was among the brightest ornaments of
this circle.

Born in 1676, the Duchesse du Maine lived through the first half
of the next century, of which her little court was one of the
most notable features. Scarcely above the stature of a child of
ten years, slightly deformed, with a fair face lighted by fine
eyes; classically though superficially educated; gifted in
conversation, witty, brilliant, adoring talent, but cherishing
all the prejudices of the old noblesse--she represented in a
superlative degree the passion for esprit which lent such
exceptional brilliancy to the social life of the time.

In character the duchess was capricious and passionate. "If she
were as good as she is wicked," said the sharp-tongued Palatine,
"there would be nothing to say against her. She is tranquil
during the day and passes it playing at cards, but at its close