[10] What bad weather! what a misfortune! really it is terrible! it is shocking! The _fête_ would have been so fine, if this devilish rain had not fallen! [11] By the good fortune of Bonaparte. [12] At the house of the respectable M. de la T⸺, whose niece is the lady of the celebrated P⸺t, some time president of the convention, and afterwards banished, with many other worthy men, at the revolution of the 18th of Fructidor. M. P⸺t is a distinguished writer; and, as a politician, was much esteemed for the moderation of his principles, and the integrity of his conduct. Madame P⸺t is a woman of very superiour talents and great acquirements. She is likewise justly admired for the humanity which has induced her to devote her hours to that excellent institution, _la Société Maternelle_, of which she is the president. The object of this society is, to afford deserted orphans that comfort, of which they have been deprived by the death or the fault of their parents. [13] “De mauvaise compagnie”—“of bad company, unfit for good company.” The terms, “bonne compagnie,” and “_mauvaise_ compagnie,” are for ever in the mouths of _coquettes_ and _petits-maîtres_. It is difficult to define what, I believe, is meant to be indefinable. [14] _L’ancienne noblesse_, literally translated, “the ancient nobility.” I use the expression in french, because the word “nobility,” in our language, expresses a very different thing.—The nobility of England are a small, respectable, and wealthy body, exercising a great and important part of the constitution, and possessed of powers highly important to the state. The french “_noblesse_” consisted of sixty or seventy thousand families, every individual of which would have thought himself disgraced by engaging in any branch of trade, or useful industry; enjoying many privileges personally advantageous, but discharging no public functions, as nobles, at all connected with the government. [15] “Contractors.” [16] Every landholder in France, in consequence of a law passed in one of the most violent moments of the revolution, and which is still continued, pays one fourth of his real revenue to the state; and as, in particular parts of the country, the rate has been unfairly made, it happens, in some cases, that even a half is paid, instead of a fourth. The latter is the _minimum_ of the present taxation. [17] I am very sorry, but to tell you the truth. [18] At their house—I am really quite distressed. [19] “New Comers,” upstarts. [20] Eating room. [21] Silence guards the slumbers and the loves of this bed. [22] President’s chair. [23] To the Legislative Body, to the first Consul, and to madame Bonaparte. [24] Yes, yes, that tall man is lord Cornwallis. He has a fine figure. He looks like a military man. He has served in the army. Is it not true, sir? Look at that little man near him, what a difference! what a mean appearance!