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TO M. DE CIRCOURT. - Alexis de Tocqueville, Memoir, Letters, and Remains of Alexis de Tocqueville, vol. 2 [1861]

Edition used:

Memoir, Letters, and Remains of Alexis de Tocqueville. Translated from the French by the translator of Napoleon’s Correspondence with King Joseph. With large Additions. In Two Volumes (London: Macamillan, 1861). 2 vols.

Part of: Memoir, Letters, and Remains of Alexis de Tocqueville, 2 vols.

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TO M. DE CIRCOURT.

I was much alarmed, dear M. de Circourt, by the beginning of your letter; and though the end pacified me as to the result of the accident, I am most anxious to know all that has happened since you wrote.* To what frightful peril was Madame de Circourt exposed! I cannot think of it without shuddering. How many women have perished miserably from similar causes! Presence of mind and courage have never been put to a better use. I was sure that she possessed them in a remarkable degree, and I am glad to see that I was right. Pray tell her, that we all, and especially Madame de Tocqueville, feel for her and admire her, and long to hear of her complete recovery. Congratulate her on having escaped so great a danger, and, above all, let us hear soon how she is.

[*]Every one in Paris has heard of the horrible accident to which this letter relates. On the night of the 18th of August, 1855, as Madame de Circourt was going into her dressing-room, her candle set fire to a lace lappet, which she wore tied under her chin. The flames spread on one side to her hair, and on the other to her dress; her ear, her throat, and her shoulder, were much burnt. A frightful wound was the consequence. After it healed, the muscles contracted; and even now, after the lapse of more than five years, Madame de Circourt still suffers terribly. Her mind is as bright, and her heart is as warm as ever; and her calamity has brought out portions of her fine character which had no opportunity of showing themselves before,—fortitude, energy, and serenity in the midst of severe pain.