Letters of George Sand Volume 1 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1886 edition. Excerpt: ... no means the kind of work likely to invite a youthful mind, was eagerly devoured by her; Kousseau's Confessions, his Nouvelle Heloise, his fimile, were all treated in the same fashion. The dignified and rather frigid character of the countess inspired her grand-daughter with feelings of affection tempered with respect and almost veneration, whereas the simple and natural ways of Madame Dupin developed a boundless and profound love, which increased as years went by. As is the way with elderly people, the aged lady who, since the death of her beloved son, had directed all her powers of affection towards her Aurore, jealously watched the progress of her grand-daughter's love for Madame Dupin. It seemed to her that she ought to possess the child's undivided love. These feelings often led to scenes between the countess and her daughter-in-law, and finally so obsessed the old lady that, notwithstanding her sound and clear judgment in all other respects, she allowed them to so completely master her as to become a fixed idea. After a scene of unusual violence, it was decided that Madame Dupin should leave Nohant and retire to Paris, there to live on the income left to her by her deceased husband. Aurore was to remain under the entire and immediate care of her grandmother, and to see her mother only at rare intervals. On learning this the child could not repress her tears, her grief was intense; she would not hear of being separated from her mother. The latter, having exhausted all the arguments within the comprehension of a child, eventually pointed out the advantages likely to accrue from staying with a wealthy parent who adored and had no other heir but her. She further placed before her daughter's eyes the contrast between the meagre living...