First Part Chapter 25

RENEE DE L'ESTORADE TO LOUISE DE CHAULIEU

Saucy girl! Why should I write? What could I say? Whilst your life is
varied by social festivities, as well as by the anguish, the tempers,
and the flowers of love--all of which you describe so graphically,
that I might be watching some first-rate acting at the theatre--mine
is as monotonous and regular as though it were passed in a convent.

We always go to bed at nine and get up with daybreak. Our meals are
served with a maddening punctuality. Nothing ever happens. I have
accustomed myself without much difficulty to this mapping out of the
day, which perhaps is, after all, in the nature of things. Where would
the life of the universe be but for that subjection to fixed laws
which, according to the astronomers, so Louis tells me, rule the
spheres! It is not order of which we weary.

Then I have laid upon myself certain rules of dress, and these occupy
my time in the mornings. I hold it part of my duty as a wife to look
as charming as possible. I feel a certain satisfaction in it, and it
causes lively pleasure to the good old man and to Louis. After lunch,
we walk. When the newspapers arrive, I disappear to look after my
household affairs or to read--for I read a great deal--or to write to
you. I come back to the others an hour before dinner; and after dinner
we play cards, or receive visits, or pay them. Thus my days pass
between a contented old man, who has done with passions, and the man
who owes his happiness to me. Louis' happiness is so radiant that it
has at last warmed my heart.