Life of Count Rumford. 549 



winding avenue, well planted, and the porter's lodge is by the 

 side of this gate ; a great bell to be rung in case of cere- 

 monious visits." 



The daughter's comment on this letter is : " It seems 

 there had been an acquaintance between these parties of 

 four years before marriage. It might be thought a long 

 space of time enough for perfect acquaintance. But, ah 

 Providence ! thy ways are past finding out." 



An interval, though a very brief one, of cheerfulness 

 and satisfaction was enjoyed by the Count after his 

 marriage. There are but two letters to his daughter 

 recognizing this state of content and pleasant anticipa- 

 tion. He informs her that he left Munich under the 

 pleasantest relations with the Bavarian sovereign and 

 his friends at that court. He had received a letter 

 from Maximilian, congratulating him on his marriage, 

 and approving of his settling himself in France, and at 

 the same time adding four thousand florins a year to his 

 pay, that he might feel on easier circumstances with his 

 lady. The Count's letter, dated Paris, Rue cTAnjou, 

 December 20, 1805, two months after his marriage, is 

 as follows : 



" MY DEAR SALLY, I gave up my lodgings on quitting 

 Munich, and managed so as to settle all concerns of business. 

 I flatter myself I am settled down here for life, far removed 

 from wars and all arduous duties, as a recompense for past 

 services, with plenty to live upon, and at liberty to pursue my 

 own natural propensities, such as have occupied me through 

 life, a life, as I try to fancy, that may come under the de- 

 nomination of a benefit to mankind. 



" I brought all the Aichners with me, two of their boys 

 excepted, who are placed in the army, one as corporal ; the 

 youngest, George, about sixteen, as a drummer. The little girl 

 named for you and the Countess [Nogarola], Mary Sarah, 



