Capable of bold conceptions and complicated designs, she could contain in her bosom at the same time a lofty idea and a deep feeling.

Like the women of old Rome who agitated the republic by the impulses of their hearts, or who exalted or depressed the empire with their love, she sought to mingle her feelings with her politics, and desired that the elevation of her genius should elevate him she loved.
Her sex precluded her from that open action which public position, the tribune, or the army only accord to men in public governments; and thus she compulsorily remained unseen in the events she guided.

To be the hidden destiny of some great man, to act through and by him, to grow with his greatness, be eminent in his name, was the sole ambition permitted to her--an ambition tender and devoted, which seduces a woman whilst it suffices to her disinterested genius.

She could only be the mind and inspiration of some political man; she sought such a one, and in her delusion believed she had found him.
XX.
There was then in Paris a young general officer of illustrious race, excessively handsome, and with a mind full of attraction, varied in its powers and brilliant in its display.

Although he bore the name of one of the most distinguished families at court, there was a cloud over his birth.