Note 295 — LETTERS TO THE COUNT DE GRIGNAN.[295] FROM 1670 TO 1696.

Count de Grignan was of an ancient and noble Provençal family. He was rich, and held a high office, that of Lieutenant-General of the Government of Provence; and as the governor, Vendôme, was rarely in his place, M. de Grignan was virtually the governor. He had been twice married before his union with Madame de Sévigné’s daughter, and it seems likely, considering the fashion of those times, and indeed of French marriages now, the mother was influenced by ambition. She found it did not confer happiness. The count was extravagant and fond of play, though he seems to have been a kind husband; still it is evident that Madame de Sévigné was constrained in her letters to him. She compliments him, professes much affection, and was always on friendly terms with him, because he was the husband of her darling daughter. But her letters to him never go beyond this.