Chapter XXIII

It must not be thought that the devil tempts only men of genius. He doubtless scorns imbeciles, but he does not disdain their assistance. Quite the contrary, he founds great hopes on them.

Take George Sand. She is especially, and above all things, a great _blockhead_; but she is _possessed_. It is the devil who has persuaded her to trust in her _good heart_ and her _good sense_, so that she might persuade all other great blockheads to trust in their good heart and their good sense.

I cannot think of that stupid creature without a shudder of horror. If I were to meet her, I could not keep myself from hurling a basin of holy water at her.