This mania of the mothers of the period, to be constantly in pursuit of a son-in-law. - Stendhal

One day they asked Mme Montcortin what love is, she answered, "It's a nasty, dirty thing, of which chambermaids are sometimes accused, and, when they're convinced, they are chased."

Lussinge scoffed at my unbearable pride when I showed him my hatred [for Mr. de Jouy]; he concluded that no doubt Mr. de Jouy or Mr. Capenon had made a bloody critique of some of my writings. A critic that's mocked me inspires an entirely different feeling. I re-evaluate, every time I reread his critique, who is right between me or him.

Je suis profondément convaincu que le seul antidote qui puisse faire oublier au lecteur les éternels Je que l'auteur va écrire, c'est une parfaite sincérité.