To guide my inexperience she gave me the confessions of the Count de -- ---.

"This book," said she, "is a Mentor, of which you will stand in need in the great world.

You will do well by sometimes consulting it." I kept the book upwards of twenty years with a sentiment of gratitude to her from whose hand I had received it, although I frequently laughed at the opinion the lady seemed to have of my merit in gallantry.

From the moment I had read the work, I was desirous of acquiring the friendship of the author.

My inclination led me right; he is the only real friend I ever possessed amongst men of letters.
[I have so long been of the same opinion, and so perfectly convinced of its being well founded, that since my return to Paris I confided to him the manuscript of my confessions.