Staal

Staal, MARGUERITE JEANNE, BARONESS DE (1693-1750), known as Mdlle. de Launay, was born in Paris, and was very religiously brought up, yet managed to acquire a considerable knowledge of the systems of Descartes and Malebranche. She was left by her mother in poor circumstances, and entered the household of the unamiable Duchesse de Maine. She was mixed up with the politics of her day, and was kept in the Bastille for a couple of years. Her charming manners and high intelligence made her admired by many, including the Baron de Staal, whom she married. Her Memoires, first published in 1755, and her Letters form delightful reading.