The Confessions of Jean Jacques Rousseau — CompleteRousseau, Jean-Jacques
Philosophy
The Confessions of Jean Jacques Rousseau — Complete
Rousseau, Jean-Jacques
Authors, French -- 18th century -- Biography; Rousseau, Jean-Jacques, 1712-1778
She often said, she would procure me some acquaintance that might be
useful; she doubtless felt the necessity of parting with me, and
had prudently resolved on it. Our mute declaration had been made on
Thursday, the Sunday following she gave a dinner. A Jacobin of good
appearance was among the guests, to whom she did me the honor to present
me. The monk treated me very affectionately, congratulated me on my late
conversion, mentioned several particulars of my story, which plainly
showed he had been made acquainted with it, then, tapping me familiarly
on the cheek, bade me be good, to keep up my spirits, and come to see
him at his convent, where he should have more opportunity to talk with
me. I judged him to be a person of some consequence by the deference
that was paid him; and by the paternal tone he assumed with Madam
Basile, to be her confessor. I likewise remember that his decent
familiarity was attended with an appearance of esteem, and even respect
for his fair penitent, which then made less impression on me than at
present. Had I possessed more experience how should I have congratulated
myself on having touched the heart of a young woman respected by her
confessor!
The table not being large enough to accommodate all the company, a
small one was prepared, where I had the satisfaction of dining with our
agreeable clerk; but I lost nothing with regard to attention and
good cheer, for several plates were sent to the side-table which were
certainly not intended for him.
Thus far all went well; the ladies were in good spirits, and the
gentlemen very gallant, while Madam Basile did the honors of the table
with peculiar grace. In the midst of the dinner we heard a chaise stop
at the door, and presently some one coming up stairs--it was M. Basile.
Methinks I now see him entering, in his scarlet coat with gold buttons--
from that day I have held the color in abhorrence. M. Basile was a tall
handsome man, of good address: he entered with a consequential look
and an air of taking his family unawares, though none but friends were
present. His wife ran to meet him, threw her arms about his neck,
and gave him a thousand caresses, which he received with the utmost
indifference; and without making any return saluted the company and took
his place at table. They were just beginning to speak of his journey,
when casting his eye on the small table he asked in a sharp tone,
what lad that was? Madam Basile answered ingenuously. He then inquired
whether I lodged in the house; and was answered in the negative. “Why
not?” replied he, rudely, “since he stays here all day, he might as well
remain all night too.” The monk now interfered, with a serious and true
eulogium on Madam Basile: in a few words he made mine also, adding, that
so far from blaming, he ought to further the pious charity of his wife,
since it was evident she had not passed the bounds of discretion. The
husband answered with an air of petulance, which (restrained by
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