court; Fleury and Mdlle. Contates, who at the time of which I write gave only indications of ordinary talent, have since far surpassed their masters. From which we may safely infer that there is very little truth in the assertion that the histrionic art is on the decline; our stage is and will be, I am certain, for a long time an honour to our country.

1782.-The Théâtre Français suffered a great loss this year in the retiring of Mdlle. Susy, who was an excellent actress in her genre (de soubrette); she was very much regretted.

We returned to sup with the countess du Nord, who was delighted with the evening's entertain

ment.

"Ah,” said she to the grand-duke, “if we could enjoy such a pleasure at St. Petersburg!"

"What is there to prevent it?" said he thoughtfully; "we must think about it."

28th May.-Madame Beckendorf came for me very early; we were to visit the milliners, goldsmiths, &c. Amongst others we visited the 'Petit Dunkerque' (the shop of a celebrated jeweller at the Pont Neuf), and remained there several hours. Nothing could exceed the beauty of this reservoir of jewellery; it was filled with trinkets of every kind, of which the original value was multiplied ten times by the beauty of the elaborate workmanship. The price of every article was marked; and

although the ornaments were most elegant and varied, and finished in the most exquisite manner, the jeweller had the reputation of selling at a very moderate profit. The number of purchasers was said to be sometimes so great, that they were often obliged to bring a guard.

We each bought a trinket that was then very fashionable; it was a kind of little mill that was worn fastened with the watch. The grand-duchess took several of them to Russia.

After dining with the Beckendorfs, I went with Madame Skawronski to the Variétés Amusantes, where we were very much amused by Jerome Pointu.' We afterwards visited the ware-rooms of the cabinet-makers, where we saw some of the most beautiful furniture in the world. It was nine o'clock when I got home.

CHAPTER XII.

Visit to the countess de Vergennes-Adventure of Mdlle. ***—Indiscreet remark of the countess de PolignacBrevet de dame-Court theatricals -Mdlle. Heinel, an opera dancer, retires to a convent-Verses-The rhymers of France-The princess de Chinay-Countess de Hénin Lieland-The countess du Nord at Nôtre-Dame Ordinance of the king concerning Protestant childrenThe countess de Bruce-Jealousy of Catherine II.Disgrace Les Invalides -M. Thelusson-The Palais Royal-The cat of the house-A small house-Wit of Mdlle. Dervieux-An anecdote-Supper at Madame de Thavanet's-Reply to the king by M. De G***—The count du Nord at Bagatelle-Verses-The duchess de Lauzun-Insolent admiration of the duke de Lauzun for the queen-The princess de Hénin and Mdlle. Arnould-Society of the princess de Bouillon—The globes of Father Coronelli-The grand-duke at the tomb of Richelieu-The opera of Theseus-The queen and the countess du Nord at the 'Bal d'opéra '-Adventure of the duke de Chartres at the ball-Reflections of the count du Nord.

29th May.-I WAS obliged to go alone to Versailles, very much against my inclination, as I left M. d'Oberkirch ill; but I could not stay away, as the queen had the goodness to invite me the day before, and the countess du Nord would be greatly disappointed by my absence. I dined with Madame de Mackan, who entertained a very large company

that day, and after dinner I paid several visits to various persons of the court. The first was to the countess of Vergennes, wife of the minister of foreign affairs. Her two brothers-in-law were, one a marquis and ambassador in Switzerland, the other a viscount, married to Mdlle. de Lentilhac, was lieutenant-colonel of the Gardes de la Porte. The conversation at Madame de Vergennes was entirely about an extraordinary adventure which had just happened, but was not publicly known. In relating this rather painful tale I will not mention names; but if these memoirs should fall into the hands of any person who knew the parties concerned they will only too easily recognize them.

A young lady of very high family was brought home from the convent where she had been educated, and told that her parents had arranged a marriage for her with a very distinguished person. To the great surprise of her friends the young lady not only refused to marry, but absolutely declined appearing in any company whatever, even to see Madame Elizabeth who had wished to receive her. Her family were greatly disturbed: they asked the nuns, and her most intimate friends amongst the boarders at the convent, if they knew anything that could be the cause of this extraordinary conduct, but in vain-the mystery was impenetrable. Her mother offered her everything that she could

possibly be supposed to wish for, if she would accompany her to a concert at the residence of the king's sisters. She refused: she was surrounded by spies; but nothing could be discovered that would explain her conduct: they began to fear that she was a victim to monomania. This continued for three months, when one day she most unexpectedly said, that if she would be permitted that she would on the following Sunday go to the mass du roi. Her family were delighted with even this concession; and milliners and dressmakers were immediately employed in preparing a suitable toilet. Her appearance at church made a great sensation; but she was quite self-possessed, and looked around as if seeking some person. When the congregation was leaving, she uttered an exclamation of surprise, and turning to her mother said,

Madame, could you tell me who is that gentleman dressed in gray?"

"That is the marquis of ***."

"And the lady who is with him; who is she?" "That is his wife, Mdlle. de ***, to whom he is married about a fortnight.”

"Married!" cried the poor girl. "He is mar

ried!"

At this exclamation the persons near looked at her in amazement, but she took no notice of anybody, but rushed to the door, shrieking like a mad