Note B — XXXI. To Madame de la Fléchère.

Celse Benigne, in whose character good and bad qualities were so mingled that he was at once the joy and the anguish of his mother, each time he risked the life of both his soul and body by the unfortunate duels in which he was so often engaged, nearly broke her heart. In order to avoid the seductions of Paris and the dangerous influence of his friends, the Saint was anxious to have him attached to the Court of Savoy, but her project did not find favour with the young Baron.