imagined, the result was something piquant and original. That
the amusement was a popular one goes without saying. People like to talk
of themselves, not only because the subject is interesting, but because
it gives them an opportunity of setting in relief their virtues and
tempering their foibles. They like also to know what others think of
them--at least, what others say of them. It is too much to expect of
human nature, least of all, of French human nature, that an agreeable
modicum of subtle flattery should not be added under such conditions.

When Mademoiselle opened her salon in the Luxembourg, on her return from
exile, these portraits formed one of its most marked features. The salon
was limited mainly to the nobility, with the addition of a few men
of letters. Among those who frequented it on intimate terms were the
Marquise de Sable, the Comtesse de Maure, the beautiful and pure-hearted
Mme. de Hautefort, the dame d'honneur of Anne of Austria, so hopelessly
adored by Louis XIII, and Mme. de Choisy, the witty wife of the
chancellor of the Duc d'Orleans. Its most brilliant lights were Mme. de
Sevigne, Mme. de La Fayette, and La Rochefoucauld. It was here that Mme.
de La Fayette made the vivid portrait of her friend Mme. de Sevigne. "It
flatters me," said the latter long afterwards, "but those who loved me
sixteen years ago may have thought it true." The beautiful Comtesse
de Bregy, who was called one of the muses of the time, portrayed the
Princess Henrietta and the irrepressible Queen Christine of Sweden.
Mme. de Chatillon, known later as the Duchesse de Mecklenbourg, who was
mingled with all the intrigues of this period, traces a very agreeable
sketch of herself, which may serve as a specimen of this interesting
diversion. After minutely describing her person, which she evidently
regards with much complacence, she continues:

"I have a temper naturally cheerful and a little given to raillery; but
I correct this inclination, for fear of displeasing. I have much esprit,
and enter agreeably into conversation. I have a pleasant voice and a
modest air. I am very sincere and do not fail my friends. I have not
a trifling mind, nor do I cherish a thousand small malices against my
neighbor. I love glory and fine actions. I have heart and ambition. I
am very sensitive to good and ill, but I never avenge myself for the
ill that has been done me, although I might have the inclination; I am
restrained by self-love. I have a