rouse the sleeping lion in your husband, who is made of the stuff
of heroes. One might almost say that you grudge him his greatness.
Would you feel no pride in using your power for other ends than your own
gratification, in awakening the genius of a gifted man, as I in raising
to a higher level one of merely common parts?

Had you remained with us, I should still have written this letter, for
in talking you might have cut me short or got the better of me with your
sharp tongue. But I know that you will read this thoughtfully and weigh
my warnings. Dear heart, you have everything in life to make you happy,
do not spoil your chances; return to Paris, I entreat you, as soon
as Macumer comes back. The engrossing claims of society, of which I
complained, are necessary for both of you; otherwise you would spend
your life in mutual self-absorption. A married woman ought not to be too
lavish of herself. The mother of a family, who never gives her household
an opportunity of missing her, runs the risk of palling on them. If I
have several children, as I trust for my own sake I may, I assure you I
shall make a point of reserving to myself certain hours which shall
be held sacred; even to one's children one's presence should not be a
matter of daily bread.

Farewell, my dear jealous soul! Do you know that many women would be
highly flattered at having roused this passing pang in you? Alas! I can
only mourn, for what is not mother in me is your dear friend. A thousand
loves. Make what excuse you will for leaving; if you are not sure of
Macumer, I am of Louis.

XXXVII. THE BARONNE DE MACUMER TO THE VICOMTESSE DE L'ESTORADE Genoa.

My beloved beauty,--I was bitten with the fancy to see something of
Italy, and I am delighted at having carried off Macumer, whose plans in
regard to Sardinia are postponed.

This country is simple ravishing. The churches--above all, the
chapels--have a seductive, bewitching air, which must make every female
Protestant yearn after Catholicism. Macumer has been received with
acclamation, and they are all delighted to have made an Italian of so
distinguished a man. Felipe could have the Sardinian embassy at Paris if
I cared about it, for I am made much of at court.

If you write, address your letters to Florence. I have not time now
to go into any details, but I will tell you the story of our travels
whenever you come to Paris. We only remain here a week, and then go on
to Florence, taking Leghor