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announced to me.” she writes, “ and I was shown toan apartment which I recognised as Voltaire ’s. Hecame forward to receive me; we placed ourselves attable — I was indeed happy. We conversed on allsubjects; poetry, the arts and sciences; and all in alight and witty tone. I wish I could give you anaccount of his charming, his enchanting conversation ;but I cannot. The supper was not abundant, but itwas recherche, delicate, and good, and served on a gooddeal of plate. Voltaire , placed next me, was as politeand attentive as he is amusing and learned. The mar-quis was on my other side — this is my place everyevening ; and thus my left ear is softly charmed, whilethe right is but very slightly ennuied, for the marquisspeaks little, and retires as soon as we rise from table.”
She describes the apartments of madame du Cha-telet and Voltaire as magnificent. His was hungwith crimson velvet and gold fringe, the walls werecovered with pictures and looking-glasses, and theroom crowded with articles of luxury in worked sil-ver. It opened into a small gallery wainscotted withyellow wood, adorned by statues, furnished with books,and filled with tables covered with curiosities andporcelain ; opening on a grotto that led to the gar-den. The rooms of madame du Chatelet were farmore elegant and rich ; splendid with mirrors in silverframes, and adorned with pictures of the first French artists. Her boudoir, of which, in her vivacious style, theguest said, “ you were ready to kneel and worship forits elegant magnificence,” opened on a terrace com-manding a beautiful prospect: the whole was a modelof luxury, taste, and elegance. Unfortunately, however,in repairing and furnishing, no attention had been paidto any apartments but those occupied by madame duChatelet and Voltaire . Discomfort reigned everywhereelse. Poor madame de Graffigny was placed in animmense chamber, ill furnished — the wind entering ata thousand crevices—which it was impossible to warm,in spite of all the wood that was burnt. “ In short,”