E P I S T L E.

MADAME, that it might to be to The insertion "to" (French: "à") corrects the phrase to "be to your taste," a standard idiom for something being pleasing to a patron.
your taste: and the select
persons, who have the advantage of
frequenting your House In this context, "House" refers to the Countess’s noble household and her refined social circle., will
easily recognize your
character original: "caractere." In the 18th century, this referred to one’s moral nature or the distinctive qualities that define a person's soul. therein. I have the honor of be-
ing with a very profound res-
pect,

Your very humble and very
obedient Servant ***. It was common in 18th-century publications for the author to sign with asterisks if they wished to remain somewhat anonymous or if the dedication was a standard formality.