Chapter V

PARIS.

Fatiguing Journey—Landau Accident—The Hôtel de la Terrasse, in the Rue de Rivoli—Six Years' Absence—The Duc and Duchesse de Guiche—Joy of Meeting—Fashion at Paris—Visit to Herhault's Temple of Fashion—Mademoiselle La Touche—Extravagant Charges—Caution to Husbands—A Word, also, to Wives—Visit to Madame Craufurd—Her prepossessing Appearance—House-hunting—Residence of the Maréchal Lobau—Review in the Champ-de-Mars—Splendid Coup d'oeil—The Marchioness de Loulé—Restrictions at Court—Accident to the Comte de Bourmont—Alarm of the Ladies—Charles the Tenth, the Dauphin, and the Dauphine—Melancholy Physiognomy of Charles the First—The Duchesse d'Angoulème—Her Trials and Endurance—French Love of Country—The Duchesse de Berri—Dinner at the Duchesse de Guiche's—William Lock—The Comte de l'Espérance de l'Aigle—His high breeding—The Opera—Début of Taglioni—Her Poetical Style of Dancing—The Duc de Cazes—French and English Manners contrasted—Attentions to the Fair Sex in France—The Comtesses de Bellegarde—Character of the Duc de Gramont—Lady Barbara Craufurd—Count Valeski—Anger of the Maréchal Lobau—Defect in French Houses—The Muette de Portici—Noblet—An old Danseuse—Gaiety at Tivoli—Similarity in the Exterior of Parisian Ladies—A Quadrille Party—Demi-toilette—Late Tea-Party—Luxurious Chair—Delightful House in the Rue de Bourbon—Its costly Decorations—Its Interior described—The Princesse de la Moskowa—Sad Interview—Maréchal Ney, 32.