--'I envy France,' I said, 'that she has such a saving people: it is in consequence of this that she has, as I am told, some billions of surplus francs every year.' --'That, I believe, is the case,' said the duchess. --'As to the friendly relations between your country and mine, let us hope that a time happier than the present may arrive soon, and the sooner the better.' --'I hope so, too,' said the duchess, 'and we must try to make it so.' VI The age of the Japanese--Ito and Inouyé--Intermarriages--Commander Hirosé--Some abuse of the Japanese nationality--The climate of Japan--Chrysanthemums--Japanese rain--The two great currents--How Japan developed--Summer resorts of foreigners--Spring and autumn-- Picnics--Sports--A letter by an American--Pastimes of the Japanese gentry--Description of the Japanese chess and the game of 'Go'--Description of Japanese cards--Poem cards--Flower cards--Pierre Loti--Public baths--An interview on common and military education in Japan--George Washington and Nelson--The cause of Russian defeats according to the wounded I found myself once more in a group of people, including some ladies. The group was very incongruous, as is usual in dreamland. The conversation went on merrily and very light-heartedly. --'Now, baron, it is your turn. You must now tell us something interesting,' said one of those present. --'I have nothing worth telling,' I answered. --'But you must: you were in Europe for many years, when quite young, I have heard. You must have had some experiences to interest us.' --'Well, I can remember only one or two amusing incidents. I once knew a charming young lady, called by her friends "the modest Violet." She lived with her mother and sisters in a country home near London. I was often invited there to take tea and play tennis, or accompany them for a drive. On one occasion, I was walking with her round the garden, when we came to a nook where there was a garden seat. We sat down. But the seat, being old, the part on which I sat gave way all of a sudden, and I found myself flat on the ground, the other part of the seat remaining intact.' --'Does she still remember you, or rather, have you seen her since your arrival in Europe this time?' asked another. --'Yes! I have seen her, and I noticed when I visited her she was still using on her table a silver trinket, of which I made her a present years ago, on the occasion of her wedding.' --'That is one--and another.'