And so, about the beginning of the month of August she wrote the following letter to this Dorat of the sacristy, who still ranks as a star of the modern Pleiades.
To Monsieur de Canalis,--Many a time, monsieur, I have wished to write to you; and why?
Surely you guess why,--to tell you how much I admire your genius.

Yes, I feel the need of expressing to you the admiration of a poor country girl, lonely in her little corner, whose only happiness is to read your thoughts.

I have read Rene, and I come to you.

Sadness leads to reverie.

How many other women are sending you the homage of their secret thoughts?
What chance have I for notice among so many?
This paper, filled with my soul,--can it be more to you than the perfumed letters which already beset you.