Since then my finances have frequently been very low, but never at such an ebb as to reduce me to fasting, and I mark this period with a heart fully alive to the bounty of Providence, as the last of my life in which I sustained poverty and hunger.
I remained at Lyons seven or eight days to wait for some little commissions with which Madam de Warrens had charged Mademoiselle du Chatelet, who during this interval I visited more assiduously than before, having the pleasure of talking with her of her friend, and being no longer disturbed by the cruel remembrance of my situation, or painful endeavors to conceal it.

Mademoiselle du Chatelet was neither young nor handsome, but did not want for elegance; she was easy and obliging while her understanding gave price to her familiarity.

She had a taste for that kind of moral observation which leads to the knowledge of mankind, and from her originated that study in myself.

She was fond of the works of Le Sage, particularly Gil Blas, which she lent me, and recommended to my perusal.

I read this performance with pleasure, but my judgment was not yet ripe enough to relish that sort of reading.