68 ENGLISH OPINION regard paid to the absence of the one where the other abounded ; one instance more, and we will relieve our Readers, and carry them to breathe a purer atmo- sphere in better company. The celebrated Madame d'Epinay is described by one of her admirers*, who came in the order of succession next-after Rousseau, not only as the most attractive, but most discreet of women ! This discretion, which is his rather than .hers, appears in his mak- ing her indulgence in forbidden grati- fications, consistent with her constant regard for public opinion, and the desire of reputation. He records, intentionally to her honour, that, being above all prejudices herself, (that is, above the weaknesses of Christianity,) yet no one knew better what was due to the pre- judices of others. She conformed, he observes, as scrupulously to old usages, as to new opinions, and kept up the outward observances of the church as Le Baron de Grimm.
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