Benjamin Franklin to Octavie Guichard Durey de Meinières, September 12, 1783

Passy, Sept. 12. 83—

My Friend Made [Madame] Helvetius tells me that I do wrong to dine
abroad, as it hurts my Health; and I much respect her Counsels: But I cannot resist the
double Temptation you offer me of dining with you and with that amiable Family. So that
if alive and well I shall certainly render my self on Sunday at the Pavilions of
Chaillot, when I hope your Rhumatism will have left you, so as to permit your standing
upright, that you may enjoy more Ease, and I more Pleasure in the greater Convenience of
Embracing you. I hope also to find your good Husband well; for I respect and esteem you
both, as all do who know you. Your English is better than you think it. I wish my French
were equal to it.— My Heart however is good, and you have always a Place in it.

B Franklin