... He said that the intelligence of this fair lady was like a
diamond in a handsome setting.--LA BRUYÈRE.
I
"She is beautiful," he said, "with that beauty which the years most
slowly change. They transform it without diminishing it and in order to
replace too fragile graces by charms that appear a little more grave and
a little less touching only because we feel them to be more lasting. Her
body promises to retain for long, until the first shock of old age, the
pure and supple lines that dignify desire; and, without knowing why, we
are sure that it will keep its promise. Her flesh, intelligent as a
glance, is incessantly renewed by the mind that quickens it and dares
not assume a wrinkle, displace a flower nor disturb a curve admired by
love.