Chapter XI
Groups of Children in the Gardens of the Luxembourg—Joyous Sounds—The Nurses—The Child of Noble Birth and that of the Parvenu—Joys of Childhood—Contrast between Youth and Age—Meeting with Dr. P—— —Arrival of General and the Comtesse d’Orsay—Attractions of the latter—Remark of Napoleon—Affection in Domestic Circles in France—The Duchesse de Guiche—The Comtesse d’Orsay—The Duc de Gramont—Madame Craufurd—The ci-devant Jeune Homme—Potter, the actor—Sir Francis Burdett—Advantages of French Society—Topics of Conversation—Pedigrees of Horses—French Politeness—Deferential Treatment of the Fair Sex—Domestic Duties of the Duchesse do Guiche—Influence of Courts—Visit to the Théâtre des Nouveautés—La Maison du Rempart—Inflammable Exhibitions—Mr. Cuthbert and M. Charles Lafitte—advance of Civilization—Lady Combermere—Mr. Charles Grant (now Lord Glenelg)—Curiosity Shops on the Quai Voltaire—Madame de Sévigné—Objects that have belonged to celebrated People—A Hint to the Ladies—Pincushion of Madame de Maintenon—The Marquis de Rambouillet—Molière’s Précieuses Ridicules—Pangs of Jealousy—Julie d’Angennes—Brilliant Coterie, 120.
Chapter XII
The Marquise de Pouleprie—-The celebrated Madame du Barry—Anecdote—Mademoiselle Mars in Valerie—Her admirable Style of Acting—Playing to the Galleries—Exclusive Nature of Parisian Society—French Conversation—Quickness of Perception—Walk in the Gardens of the Tuileries—Comparative Beauty of French and English Ladies—Graceful Walking of the Former—Difference of Etiquette—Well-bred Englishmen—Flight of Time—Colonel Caradoc, son of Lord Howden—New Year’s Day—Custom of making Presents—Gallery of the Louvre—The Statues therein—Works of Art—Chefs-d’oeuvre of the Old Masters—Consolation for Men of Genius—Nicolas Poussin, 134.
Chapter XIII
Visit to the Hotel d’Orsay—Sad Change in it—Mr. Millingon, the Antiquary—Liberality of Comte d’Orsay—A Fanciful Notion—General Or-nano—Unhappy Marriages accounted for—La Gazza Ladra—Mallbran’s “Ninetta”—The Calamities of Authors—Mr. D’Israeli—The Princesse de Talleyrand—Her Person described—Her Dress and Manners—Amusing Story told by the Abbé Denon—Unexpected Arrival—Yes and No, by Lord Normanby—Lady Dysart-Comte Valeski—Influence of Agreeable Manners—Effects of opposite ones—Injudicious Friends—A Candid Admission—Lord —— —Love of Contradiction—Remarks on the Novel of Pelham—Misery of receiving stupid Books—Malibran in La Cenerentola—French Customs—Proofs d’Amilié—Wedding Dresses, 146.
Chapter XIV
Comte Charles de Mornay—His Wit and Good Nature—Mademoiselle Mars, in Henri III—Some Account of the Play—Love and Ambition—Curious Incident—Romantic Notions—Passion of Love—Wordsworth’s Poems—Admiration of his Writings—Religion displayed by the Upper Classes—The Duc de Bordeaux—Piety of the Great—Popularity of the Duchesse de Berri—Anecdote of her—Walter Savage Landor—His Imaginary Conversations—Sir William Gell—The Duc d’Orléans—His Enviable Situation—The Duc de Chartres—Genius of Shelley—Beauty of his Writings—His Wild Theories—William Spencer the Poet—Melancholy Change in Him—French Prejudices towards the English—Example of it—Accomplishments of French Ladies—Talent for Conversation, 169.
Chapter XV
Consequences of the Revolution in France—Corruption of the Regency—Sarcastic Verses of St.-Evremond—Reign of Louis the Fifteenth—Lessons taught by Affliction—Dangers of Anarchy—The Haute Noblesse previously to the Revolution—Want of Affection between Parents and Children—Superficial Judgments erroneous—Power of Fashion—The Novel of Devereux—Infrequency of Elopements in France—Les Dames de B—— —Their Attachment to each other—Old Maids—Servitude in England and France contrasted—French Masters and Mistresses—Treatment of Servants—Avoidance of Politics—French Discontent—Charles the Tenth—National Prosperity—The Duchesse de Guiche and her two Sons—Position of the Duc de Guiche, 171.
Chapter XVI
Approach of Spring—Fogs on the Seine—The Jardins des Tuileries—Impurity of the London Atmosphere—Exhilaration of the Spirits—Anecdote—The Catholic Question—Lord Rosslyn—The Duke of Wellington—Merits of a Cook—Amour-propre of a Parisian Cook—English Sauce—A Gourmand and an Epicure—The Duc de Talleyrand—A perfect Dinner—The Marquis de L—— —House-hunting again—Letter from Lord B—— —The Hôtel Monaco—College of St.-Barbe—The Duchesse de Guiche and her Sons—A Mother’s Triumph—Spirit of Emulation—The Quarter called the Pays Latin—An Author’s Dress—Aspect of the Women—A Life of Study—Amable Tastu’s Poems—Effect of Living much in Society—Mr. W. Spencer—His Abstraction—Disadvantages of Civilization—Confession of Madame de —— —A Hint to Comte —— on visiting London—Suspicion of Poverty—A Diner Maigre—Luxurious Bishops, 182.
Chapter XVII
Romantic Feelings of Lady C—— —True Love—Disagreeable Neighbours—Credulity—Mademoiselle Delphine Gay—French Novels—French Critics—Eligible Mansions—Comforts of Seclusion—Genius of L.E.L.—The Comtesse d’O—— —A Brilliant Talker—Letter from Mrs. Hare—Extreme Hospitality—Longchamps—Exhibition of Spring Fashions—French Beauties—Animated Scene—Promenade at Longchamps—Extravagance of Mademoiselle Duthé—Modern Morals—Cinq Mars, by Comte Alfred de Vigny—His Style—Strictures on Mankind—The best Philosophy—Speech of Lord Grey—The Caterpillar—A Voracious Appetite—A Refined Lady—La Chronique du temps de Charles IX, by Prosper Merimée—Estimation of Sir Walter Scott—Jules Janin—Injudicious Praise—Renewal of Youth—Self-Deception—Grey Hairs, 194.
Chapter XVIII
Victor Hugo’s Dernier Jour d’un Condamné—Value of Common Sense—Conscience—Cunning—Curiosity Shops on the Quai d’Orsay—Expensive and Tasteful Gifts—An Avaricious Vender—A Moral—Anonymous Scribbler—Weakness of Mind—Poems of Mrs. Hemans—The Minds of Genius—Poetesses of England—Arrival of Lord D—— —The Catholic Question carried—Irish prejudices—Letters from Absent Friends—Sir William Gell—The Archbishop of Tarentum—Discoveries at Pompeii—Novel of The Disowned—Advantages to be derived from the Perusal of Works of Fiction—Politics—Charles the Tenth unpopular—Charles the First—The House of Bourbon—“Uneasy lies the Head that wears a Crown”—The Duc de T—— —Mr. Hook’s Sayings and Doings—Visit to the Hotel Monaco, 207.
Chapter XIX
A new Resilience—Consolation in Sickness—House in the Rue de Matignon—Its Interior described—The Library—Drive in the Bois de Boulogne—Atmospheric Influence—The Rocher de Cancale—A _Diner de Restaurant—_A Gay Sight—Good Taste in Dress innate in Frenchwomen—Well-appointed Carriages—Soldier-like Air of the Male Population—Observation of the Emperor Napoleon—Characteristics of the British Soldier—National Anthem—Changes in the Journey of Life—Captain Marryat’s Naval Officer—Performance of La Tour d’Auvergne—Letter of Carnot—Distinction awarded to Merit by Napoleon—National Glory—Effect of Enthusiasm—Villa of the Duchesse de Montmorency—Residences on the Banks of the Thames—Bagatelle, the Seat of the Duc de Bordeaux—Earthly Happiness—Domestic Alterations—High Rents at Paris—Terrace and Aviary—Unsettled Slate, 219.