had seen at Mr. R-'s, in the evening formerly mentioned; and that gentleman's sister having arrived the day before at Mr. B-'s house, he, like a true, warm-hearted Irishman, seconded by the pretty Frenchwoman, his wife, insisted on taking them all home to dinner, which was then ready. "Your rule of refusing Parisian dinners was a good one; but it does not apply to Versailles; so come along, sans cérémonie, and take plain fare and hearty welcome."

Mr. B's offer was, in fact, irresistible; especially when aided by his lady, and Madame Henri R, who was not merely an accomplished woman, but a kind-hearted, sensible, cheerful companion; so in a very short time they arrived at Mr. B―'s residence, and gladly partook of that hospitality for which his country is remarkable.

On their way, they were exceedingly struck by the very peculiar character of the place, which appeared to have been all built for the purposes of royalty. The streets were wide; the houses, on either side, tall and well built; and at given distances, were trees

of a noble growth; so that every street boasted of a stately avenue. That which they entered soon after they left the terminus, was built upon the side of a hill, the summit of which was evidently crowned by the Palace of Versailles, being divided from it by splendid iron gates, through which were visible many noble sculptures; and, above all, a majestic figure of Louis XIV. on horseback, of whom a distinct side view was given; in his apparent power

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"To wield and turn a fiery Pegasus ;"

and the great skill of the artist, even at this distance, was acknowledged by all.

After they had enjoyed an excellent dinner and dessert, in which a small but most delicious strawberry, peculiar to the country, was dealt out abundantly, they all strolled out to the palace, but contented themselves with viewing the external portion for the present; and it was evident that the design did not convey an idea of that inordinate wealth of ornament which they expected to find within. They were not, indeed, disappointed in the

colossal statues, which had already struck them; for these were all works of most extraordinary character, and well fitted to adorn the façade of the most magnificent palace in Europe,-a palace now presented by a King to his people.

They strolled to the Orangery, which they considered rather a curiosity than a beauty; for the flowers were few, and the fruit was not set. But the smell perfumed the air, and the large green leaves were refreshing to the eye. Some of these trees are known to be of great age; many are two hundred years old, and several are said to be more than three hundred.

"It was well the Revolution spared them," was observed by Frederick, "since it destroyed many other things quite as unoffending."

The remark led each of the party in silence to recall that most awful time, when the King and Queen of France were driven through the street they were now traversing, imprisoned by their own subjects, surrounded by a lawless insulting mob, on their way to a city where equal or greater evils might, in

fact did, await them, everywhere encountering looks of menace, and not knowing how soon the hands now held up in derision might be imbued in their blood.

These sad thoughts were for a time dissipated by the music and conversation in Mr. B-'s hospitable mansion; but often did they return during their stay in this very beautiful and pleasant city, which, although not so well inhabited as it used to be, is said to have improved wonderfully during the last twenty years, as it now numbers about ninety thousand inhabitants. There was a time when it could boast of one hundred and twenty thousand; and another when it was reduced to twenty-eight thousand; therefore it is certainly prosperous now. Many English reside there; the houses being commodious, and apartments cheap. And there are also Spaniards and Italians, who all live on terms of cheerful intercourse with the inhabitants. But those of the nobility attached to the court of the deposed monarch, are said to hold themselves aloof from all.

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"A very happy circumstance," said an old,

but very pleasant Marchioness, who was nevertheless one of them, "for they are so arbitrary and dogmatical that they would ruin any party which should have the misfortune to receive them."

"You are severe, Madame," said Mr. B-.

"Oh! I speak the truth. I have seen moch, and suffer moch; I live long in England, I observe moch! I see we must humour the times, but dey nevère, nevère. One comfort it is, dey all die off ver' soon."

Smiling at this new mode of obtaining comfort, our party repaired to their Hôtel, where they found a clean house, excellent beds, and a quietness which was positively refreshing.

CHAPTER IX.

The following day they repaired, at an early hour, to the Palace, which they entered without any observation beyond an inquiry, civilly answered by one of the por