No person was seen in her circle but dukes, ambassadors, and blue ribbons.

The Princess of Rohan, the Countess of Forcalquier, Madam de Mirepoix, Madam de Brignole, and Lady Hervey, passed for her intimate friends.

The Abbes de Fontenelle, de Saint Pierre, and Saltier, M.de Fourmont, M.de Berms, M.de Buffon, and M.de Voltaire, were of her circle and her dinners.

If her reserved manner did not attract many young people, her society inspired the greater awe, as it was composed of graver persons, and the poor Jean-Jacques had no reason to flatter himself he should be able to take a distinguished part in the midst of such superior talents.

I therefore had not courage to speak; but no longer able to contain myself, I took a resolution to write.