Valence,[189] a general who served in the first campaigns under Dumouriez, a good-humoured, boasting, bluff Papa.
Mde. de V., daughter of Mde. de Sillery, a beauty on the wane, pleasing and clever.
Abbé St. Fard, a son of the Duke of Orleans, father to the unfortunate Égalité; remarkably obliging, and, tho’ not distinguished for talents, very popular, and a person one cannot but like.
Duc de Duras,[190] a ci-devant Duc returned, but not reconciled to the changes in his country.
LALLY TOLLENDAL
Lally Tollendal,[191] the epitome of sentiment. By some inconceivable freak imagined himself to be the son of Count Lally, executed for the surrender of Pondicherry. Whilst at college he heard the story; his birth was obscure and even mysterious. A flight into the region of fancy made him imagine himself the son of the state culprit (but not till after his execution); he then pleaded for him. He is returned to France after an absence of many years, but, like many who were distinguished at first, he returns but to see his insignificance and the indifference of the Governt. to these, many of whom conceived themselves to be of the utmost importance.
Psse. d’Hesnin [sic], an excellent woman, formerly about the Queen, attached for many years to Lally.
Mde. Flahaut.[192] A volume would not suffice. An agreeable adventuress, who after failing in various projects, both upon English and French, at last has closed her tempestuous career by marrying Souza, ye Portuguese Minister. She has written some pretty novels; her conversation consists more in a narrative of the good things she has said than in those she actually does say. Her son, a fine, open young man. He is handsome and uncommonly engaging in his manners and countenance.
Girardin,[193] an élève of Jean Jacques, and proprietor of Ermenonville. He was eager in the beginning of Revolution; emigrated for a short time; is now a Tribune, and intimate friend of Joseph Bonaparte’s. He is not an Emile, but good-natured. His love of independence and the naked truth for the sake of truth will never expose him to the straits a patriot must undergo. He will shift in time.
Gallois,[194] a Tribune, uncommonly interesting in his manner, with a countenance that proclaims his talents and gentle, amiable heart.