Tells Franklin of unhappiness in her home life, attributes it in great part to disparity of age, her husband being twenty-four years older than she. Laments the fact that young girls in France are often married to men much older than themselves because both parties happen to have about the same of worldly goods.
Cannot entertain him at tea that evening. Tells him to give that evening to her amiable rival, Mme. Helvétius. Will dine at his house on Sunday as usual.
M. [Paul Jérémie] Bitaubé has been introduced to her. Asks Franklin to bring him on Wednesday evening. Does not think he needs to buy a certain secret for imitating handwriting, as he seems to have stolen it.
Returns a copy by Franklin of a a fable in verse written by her. Asks for the original. Reproaches Franklin for not having kept his word and returned the original without showing it to anyone.
Sending her adieus to Franklin on his departure from France. For a long time previous the thought of his departure had grieved and saddened her. The reality almost breaks her heart. Will never again find a friend like him. Her husband, her daughters and herself will always remember his kindness and friendship for them all. Wishes him a happy voyage.
M. de Mauduit Duplessis will be at her house Wednesday evening with an officer who desires to meet Franklin. This officer had captured an English vessel.
Relating an occurrence which had taken place at a friend's house when a certain American, and an intimate friend of Franklin, had insulted a lady there present by throwing her letter on the ground and walking on it. The lady is very angry over the affair. Only Franklin can arrange the matter. Invites him to tea and asks him to bring his compatriot.
Hailing with delight his lovely confessor; pleads guilty of coveting his neighbor's wife whenever he is with her; asks for instruction in meeting his particular temptation.
Reproaches him for not coming to see her on her usual day; promises to return all his visits when she is stronger; begs him to bring her little story with him so that she may make a correction.
