ith the exceptions of a year in Russia, and a couple of years in
Italy, she was to reside until her death. The Bourbon nobility, now
recalled to France, and reinstated in power, repaid the generous
kindness she had shown them in St. Petersburg, by giving her a hearty
welcome, and lavishing attentions and affection on her. Her deep
interest in charitable institutions soon brought her into intimate
and most cordial relations with De Gerando. Baron Humboldt and the
Count Pozzo di Borgo, among the earliest to become her friends, were
assiduous visitors at her house; and, in the salon of the brilliant
Duchess de Duras, where she was quickly appreciated and made to feel
at home, she became acquainted with the most interesting and
commanding minds of France at that time, such as Chateaubriand,
Remusat, Cuvier, Montmorency, Villemain, Barante. These persons have
all testified, in turn, to the great impression her character made on
them.

Madame Swetchine formed with a large number of men of rare excellence
and accomplishments ardent and lasting attachments, which were the
greatest comfort to herself, and administered invaluable inspiration
and happiness to them. Among these, particular mention should be made
of her confessor, the pious and venerable Abbe Desjardins; her
brother-in-law, Father Gargarin; Moreau; Turquety; Montalembert; and,
at a later date, De Tocqueville, who writes to her, "The friendship
of such as you are, imposes obligations." Another expression of De
Tocqueville must not be omitted here: "Let me thank you for your last
letter. It contained, as all your letters do, proofs of an affection
which consoles and strengthens me. I never received a line of your
writing without being sensible of this twofold impression. The reason
is, I think, that one finds in you a heart easily moved, in
connection with a mind firmly fixed upon abiding principles. Here is
the secret of your charm and your sway. I want to profit more than do
by your precious friendship. It distresses me that I succeed so ill."
She was one of those few natures able to forget themselves, take an
enthusiastic interest in others, and devote unwearied pains to
further their interests, sympathize and aid in their pursuits, calm,
refine, enrich, and bless their souls. She sustained the ideal
standards, and raised the self-respect, of every one who enjoyed the
honor of her regard. Accordingly, no noble man could be intimate with
her without grateful and af