Letter to Madame de Grignan : [Paris], 22 Avril [1671].

ALS from Madame de Sévigné to her daughter soon after she married and moved to Provence. The letter begins by assuring her daughter of a preference for her company over that of Mme. de Brissac and continues with a report on the weaknesses of her brother Charles and his affair with an actress. She responds to an invitation to visit Provence and talks about her other possible travel plans. She reports on an evening spent at the home of Madame de la Fayette, with M. de La Rochefoucauld and the amusement the "Marans woman" caused when she appeared with nothing on her head and a child-like hair cut. She conveys more news about social engagements at the Arsenal and the Luxembourg where there were "men of all ranks". She relates a conversation with Abbe Tetu that she had in the afternoon spent at Mme. Richelieu's home. She thanks her for a gift of gloves and describes material that she has purchased for a dress. She conveys more words of encouragement and affection about her daughter and compliments from mutual friends. A postscript includes a description of the King's visit to Chantilly, his hunting, the fireworks, and the shocking suicide of the well-respected maître d'hôtel, Vatel. She closes with a report on the engagement of M. de Ménars to Mlle. de La Grange Neuville