ng society and shunning solitude. The other
was violent and imperious, hated finesse, and preferred burying herself
among the rare treasures of her library at Cirey.

The influence of Mme. de Tencin was felt, not only in the social and
intellectual, but in the political life of the century. The traditions
of her salon lingered in those which followed, modified by the changes
that time and personal taste always bring. Mme. du Chatelet was more
learned, but she lacked the tact and charm which give wide personal
ascendancy. Her influence was largely individual, and her books have
been mostly forgotten. These women were alike defiant of morality, but
taken all in all, the character of Mme. Chatelet has more redeeming
points, though little respect can be accorded to either. With the wily
intellect of a Talleyrand, Mme. de Tencin represents the social genius,
the intelligence, the esprit, and the worst vices of the century on
which she has left such conspicuous traces.

"She knew my tastes and always offered me those dishes I preferred,"
said Fontenelle when she died in 1740. "It is an irreparable loss."
Perhaps his hundred years should excuse his not going to her funeral for
fear of catching cold.

CHAPTER XII. MADAME GEOFFRIN AND THE PHILOSOPHERS

_Cradles of the New Philosophy--Noted Salons of this Period--
Character of Mme. Geoffrin--Her Practical Education--Anecdotes of her
Husband--Composition of her Salon--Its Insidious Influence--Her Journey
to Warsaw--Her Death_

During the latter half of the eighteenth century the center of social
life was no longer the court, but the salons. They had multiplied
indefinitely, and, representing every shade of taste and thought, had
reached the climax of their power as schools of public opinion, as well
as their highest perfection in the arts and amenities of a brilliant and
complex society. There was a slight reaction from the reckless vices and
follies of the regency. If morals were not much better, manners were a
trifle more decorous. Though the great world did not take the tone of
stately elegance and rigid propriety which it had assumed under the
rule of Mme. de Maintenon, it was superficially polished, and a note
of thoughtfulness was added. Affairs in France had taken too serious an
aspect to be ignored, and the theories of the philosophers were among
the staple topics of conversation; indeed, it was the great vogue of
the philosophers that gave many of the most note