Ihave already told you, my dear aunt, that I had seen the Chevalier de Val-mont, and how amiable he appeared to me; but I can now speak with more certainty, as I supped with him yesterday at Madame de Limours's. Madame de Valcy was there; and I never saw her more adorned, lively, and brilliant; all this was not without design, and perhaps not without success … The Chevalier is very young, and inexperienced … Yet I thought I could perceive he was more astonished at, than seduced by her coquetry … Ah, if he could but look into futurity, and foresee the happiness designed for him, if he knows how to deserve it! … He would I am sure escape all the snares preparing for him! … He drew near to me after supper, and made enquiries concerning you with an eagerness, that affected me. He asked two or three questions about Adelaide; and when I told him she was prodigiously grown and improved; indeed I believe he blushed, but I am sure he sighed. Madame de Valcy came and interrupted us, offering him a card for whist; and he left me, to play with her, all the remainder of the evening. – I could not discover, if Madame de Limours sees into her daughter's schemes. She has naturally a great deal of penetration; but then she must be quite unbiassed; the least degree of interest will blind her. There are moments, when she even persuades herself, that Madame de Valcy has only imprudencies to reproach herself with; – for example, she firmly believes her as well received in the world as ever. With high rank, youth, and an husband who will be offended at nothing, we are not wholly banished from society. Madame de Valcy is pretty; she dresses well, dances admirably, and graces an assembly; she is invited to all the balls and suppers: this will last, till age obliges her to leave off feathers, flowers, and dancing: – On these depend all her consequence.