have not those engaging manners, those pleasing attentions, those graces, and that address, which are absolutely necessary to please, though impossible to define. I cannot say it is this or that particular thing which hinders me from loving you, it is the whole together; and upon the whole you are not agreeable." How often have I, in the course of my life, found myself in this situation, with regard to many of my acquaintance, whom I have honored and respected, without being able to love? I did not know why, because, when one is young, one does not take the trouble, nor allow one's self the time, to analyze one's sentiments, and to trace them up to their source. [Feb. 28, 1751.]
Carriage of the Body.—It sounds ridiculously
to bid you study with your dancing-master; and yet
I do. The bodily carriage and graces are of infinite
consequence to everybody, and more particularly to
you. Adieu for this time, my dear child. Yours
tenderly. [No date.]
How to Please.—An air, a tone of voice, a
composure of countenance to mildness and softness,
which are all easily acquired, do the business; and
without further examination, and possibly with the
contrary qualities, that man is reckoned the gentlest,
the modestest, and the best-natured man alive.
