[3] The Count Bussy de Rabutin, first cousin to the father of
Madame de Sévigné, was, on account of his relationship, always on
terms of intimacy with her. He was a famous wit and satirist, as
his Letters and Memoirs show, but not of principles or character
to excite love or esteem in the soul of such a woman as Madame
de Sévigné. However, they were cousins, and though she refused
his suit, she seems to have felt a deep interest in his welfare.
She corresponded with him occasionally till her death, but her
letters to him have less interest than those she wrote to others,
especially to her daughter. We give a few of her first and best
letters to Count de Bussy, as preliminary to the real work of her
heart and mind, her correspondence with Madame de Grignan.