6 Comments
Oct 19, 2020Liked by Daniel Lavery

The “at F—, near B—“ part is hilarious, completely spot on, I see that in 19th century literature all the time and it’s so smug...like it’s very “oh, my friends? Well, they’re very well respected so I have to protect their anonymity :) and I’d hate to brag about my very famous friends... but also you know exactly who I’m talking about, that’s just how famous they are <3”

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Phronsie goes "éééé" *finger flintlocks*

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Oct 29, 2020Liked by Daniel Lavery

It would appear that the honourable M. Lavery's translation has omitted the original's "Phronsie, digne fille de cinq louis"; good God! any more of this and I will be obliged to withdraw my subscription.

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The headline made me expect a review of various types of letter-openers befitting a Frenchman, from the trusty dagger to the fencing foil. Perhaps that is in the rest of the letter.

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Mfw when you recently had occasion to find yourself at F______, near B______, when who should appear be Madame de ______!

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I feel the time is past, Eugénie, for recriminations

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