Marie de Rabutin-Chantal, marquise de SÉVIGNÉ (1626-1696). L.A.S. "La m de Sevigné", Grignan May 1 [1691, to Louis Du Plessis]; 4pages small in-4. To the former tutor of her grandson, the Marquis de Grignan. "Ouy assurement mon cher Monsieur et vous, et vos lettres, sont fort de mon goust, ce seroit mauvais signe pour moy, sy jestois changée sur ce sujet, les regrets sinceres que vous me faites paroistre, de ne pas racrocher vous presentement dans cette maison de Grignan sy aymable, et qu'on scauroit oublier, still gives me a dose of pity for you, but let's leave it to our providence, what is not disposed at present, may well change, and since esteem and good will are not diminished, all we have to do is let time do its work, it would be a nice way to pass it gently"... She sends him a letter for the Duchess de Lesdiguières: if she "could put you next to her son, I would be delighted, but I don't hope for them, this position is too sought-after not to have already been given at least, in petto, I would have been much more impressed by your merit, and your good qualities, but I know her, and I know she is armed against the excesses of praise, as if she believed that one wanted to surprise her with affected speeches, if anything can touch her, it's to have governed the Marquis de Grignan, with the friendship and disapproval of his entire family, and to have made such a nice boy, who has the reputation of being so wise, that's what can touch her, waiting for her to get to know you for herself"... She would have many more things to say to him, "but we must save them for when we return, and reduce ourselves to wishing you every kind of happiness, and everything away from sadness and grief, as things incompatible with your beautiful nature, and to assuring you of my esteem, and my friendship, full in truth, of much gratitude". A postscript refers to an affair with M. Guillart, avocat du Conseil [the last lines of this postscript, on a separate sheet, are missing]. Former Alfred Morrison collection (vol. VI, p.110-111). Correspondance (Bibl. de la Pléiade), t.III, n°1245, p.961-962.