After taking lunch, they proceeded to the object which the boys were desirous to see; "l'arc de l'Etoile ;" to the top of which they both climbed, eager to see from thence the beautiful road they had so much admired. Meanwhile, the good father examined the sculpture, and explained to his daughter the lesson inculcated on the entablature, which shows a rustic boy given to the army, and proceeding through every gradation to the rank of general.

That evening, they took tea with Madame C having resolutely declined all dinner invitations; and they had the pleasure of meeting several French families of distinction, with whose unaffected politeness and kindliness they were exceedingly gratified. With the young ladies, in particular, Mrs. Egerton was so pleased, that she said, "When my Emily resembles Mademoiselle Rochefort, as I hope she will, I shall be the happiest of mothers."

One fine old man, a general officer, commandant of the Luxembourg, offered to take them to the Chambre des Pairs, and over

the whole of the palace, on the following day, to which they thankfully assented. Indeed, they were pleased with all they saw and heard; every one talked freely and cheerfully, without any unpleasant intrusion of political or literary opinions. Four gentlemen played a sober rubber in a corner, and some young persons in the next room performed music and sang well, but in a very unpretending manner. Tea concluded the entertainment; but it so far was rendered a substantial refreshment, that abundance of cakes, toast, and conserves, covered the table, round which many of the ladies sat, whilst the gentlemen, with their cups in their hands, walked about, in both rooms, in lively conversation.

One person was present with whom Mr. Egerton would have liked much to converse this was M. de P-, for many years secretary to the Prince de Talleyrand, and always in his confidence. But this gentleman was

at cards; his lady, an English woman, was singularly pleasing in person and manners; but, having had the great misfortune of

losing two sweet children about the age of Charles and Emily, her spirits were so overpowered by the sight of them, that she could scarcely speak to their mother, and retired early. Indeed, carriages came at eleven, and the whole party were at their respective homes half an hour afterwards.

"We have had a very rational and pleasant evening," said Mrs. Egerton." In my opinion, the French are very wise in making their entertainments so inexpensive; it enables them to give them very frequently, where the income is good, and does not preclude those who have little from seeing the friends they love. With us, there is a spirit of rivalry in expense, which throws many sensible and good persons out of society, though they would be its best ornament."

The next morning, all were impatient for their visit to the Luxembourg; and well they might, for taken all in all, the pleasure it gave was the highest they found, even in Paris. The venerable form of their conduc

tor, whose hair was white as snow, and

who was dressed in full uniform, was seen advancing towards them from the principal entrance; therefore they immediately alighted, and, on meeting him, examined the exterior of the building, which, in their opinion, displayed much more architectural elegance and variety, than the Tuileries. Whilst here, they were joined by Madame C and her sister, who pointed out to them the peculiar beauties, and informed them that the building was now generally called the Palais de la Chambre des Pairs, having changed its name, as the Place Louis XV. had done, for that of the Place de la Concorde.

"That is very right," said Frederick; "anything, to make one forget the atrocities committed on that beautiful but desecrated spot. Alas! all the waters of the Seine cannot wash its spots out of the page of history."

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Yet, Frederick, when you gaze on that pet monument of Luxor, you can forget the guillotine, I think?" observed Emily, smiling.

They now entered the palace; and after admiring the magnificent entrance, and prais

ing the spirit of Marie de Medicis, widow of Henri IV. for whom it was built; after going up many grand staircases, and through a succession of long and low passages, found themselves in the throne-room, where they looked with great pleasure on a full-length portrait of the king in his robes of state. The young folks thought his Majesty a fine looking man, with a benevolent although thoughtful countenance, and inquired of their kind guide if the picture were a good likeness?

"It was very good, being not in the least flattering, until the death of the poor duke of Orléans; but the sufferings of so tender a father have reduced his Majesty, and stamped his countenance with great sorrow," was the reply.

They were now taken, by a short cut, into a small but pretty loggia, exactly resembling the box of a theatre, and saw below them a magnificent room, semicircular in form, covered and lighted by a dome, and enriched by numerous marble pillars, with gilt capitals. Exactly opposite them was a

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