Monday, May 18, 1671
Just going to set out.
At last, my dear child, I am just ready to step into my carriage:
there!--I am in--adieu! I never shall use that word to you without real
grief. I am now on my way for Brittany. Is it possible that any thing
can increase the distance between us, when we are already separated
from each other more than two hundred leagues? But so it is; I have
found a way to complete it; and as you thought your town of Aix not
quite far enough from me, I also, look upon Paris as too much in your
neighborhood. You went to Marseilles to fly me, and I, to pay you in
your own coin, am going to Vitré. But to be serious, my dear, our
correspondence will suffer by this; it used to be a great source of
consolation and amusement to me. Alas! what shall I have to say to
you from the midst of my woods? I shall have nothing to entertain you
with but accounts of Mademoiselle du Plessis and Jaquine;[32] charming
subjects these! I am very happy in what you tell me of your health,
but, in the name of God, if you have any love for me, take care of
yourself; do not dance, do not fall, take a good deal of rest, and,
above all things, arrange your plans so as to lie-in at Aix, where
you may have the best and the most timely assistance. You know how
expeditious you are on those occasions; be sure to have every thing
ready rather too soon than too late. Good Heavens! what shall I not
suffer at that period!
[32] A pretty servant girl of Madame de Sévigné’s at her house in
Brittany.
You relate the dispute you had with our friend Vivonne very agreeably.
I think the fault lies entirely on his side. You laid a famous trap in
which you caught him completely. His confusion made me sweat for him,
and he did so himself, I dare say; but in the end you made it up and
embraced him! a great[33] undertaking that, for one in your situation.
If your quarrels must end thus, you ought to have no quarrels nor
enemies upon your hands.
[33] Monsieur de Vivonne was remarkable for his great bulk.