lost in the eight large volumes of his letters which were
destroyed at her death!

While Mme. de Tencin studied men and affairs, Mme. du Chatelet
studied books. One was mistress of the arts of diplomacy, gentle
but intriguing, ambitious, always courting society and shunning
solitude. The other was violent and imperious, hated finesse,
and preferred burying herself among the rare treasures of her
library at Cirey.

The influence of Mme. de Tencin was felt, not only in the social
and intellectual, but in the political life of the century. The
traditions of her salon lingered in those which followed,
modified by the changes that time and personal taste always
bring. Mme. du Chatelet was more learned, but she lacked the
tact and charm which give wide personal ascendancy. Her
influence was largely individual, and her books have been mostly
forgotten. These women were alike defiant of morality, but taken
all in all, the character of Mme. Chatelet has more redeeming
points, though little respect can be accorded to either. With
the wily intellect of a Talleyrand, Mme. de Tencin represents the
social genius, the intelligence, the esprit, and the worst vices
of the century on which she has left such conspicuous traces.

"She knew my tastes and always offered me those dishes I
preferred," said Fontenelle when she died in 1740. "It is an
irreparable loss." Perhaps his hundred years should excuse his
not going to her funeral for fear of catching cold.