Chapter 42

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.