Of the salons which at this period had a European reputation, the
most noted were those of Mme. du Deffand, Mlle. de Lespinasse,
and Mme. Geoffrin. The first was the resort of the more
intellectual of the noblesse, as well as the more famous of the
men of letters. The two worlds mingled here; the tone was spiced
with wit and animated with thought, but it was essentially
aristocratic. The second was the rallying point of the
Encyclopedists and much frequented by political reformers, but
the rare gifts of its hostess attracted many from the great
world. The last was moderate in tone, though philosophical and
thoroughly cosmopolitan. Sainte-Beuve pronounced it "the most
complete, the best organized, and best conducted of its time; the
best established since the foundation of the salons; that is,
since the Hotel de Rambouillet."

"Do you know why La Geoffrin comes here? It is to see what she
can gather from my inventory," remarked Mme. de Tencin on her
death bed. She understood thoroughly her world, and knew that
her friend wished to capture the celebrities who were in the
habit of meeting in her salon. But she does not seem to have
borne her any ill will for her rather premature schemes, as she
gave her a characteristic piece of advice: "Never refuse any
advance of friendship," she said; "for, if nine out of ten bring
you nothing, one alone may repay you. Everything is of service
in a menage if one knows how to use his tools." Mme. Geoffrin
was an apt pupil in the arts of diplomacy, and the key to her
remarkable social success may be found in her ready assimilation
of the worldly wisdom of her sage counselor. But to this she
added a far kinder heart and a more estimable character.