[90] I have heard, since I left Paris, that a very fine house, formerly belonging to a nobleman, and known by the name of “_l’Hôtel de Beauveau_,” has lately been opened as an “_hôtel garni_,” and assumed the title of “_Hôtel de Prince de Galle_.” It stands in “_la Rue Fauxbourg St. Honoré_,” nearly fronting one of the avenues to the _Champs Elisées_. In spring the situation must be very pleasant. It is at a considerable distance from the theatres, but in a most respectable part of the town. [91] “_Restaurateurs_” are tavern keepers, where dinners are served. [92] Visits.—It is the custom, in all parts of France, and particularly at Paris, to receive and pay perpetual visits. The whole of every evening is passed in a _routine_ of this kind (when the _spectacle_ offers no irresistible temptation); and a parisian _belle_ was, the other day, quite astonished and disgusted, when I told her, that in England ladies seldom received the visits of young men.—“_Qu’elle vie ennuyeuse que votre vie de Londres!_” exclaimed the fair one; “_qu’on doit passer des tristes journées!_ Que peut elle faire, une malheureuse anglaise, après diner?” “Elle va aux assemblées ou à l’opera—Mais si elle est malade? “Elle reste chez elle.” “_Quoi_ toute seule! que _vos dames sont à plaindre_! Que _je me félicite d’être françoise! Sans les visites de quelques amis choisis, je mourrois d’ennui._” What a dull life must your english manners afford! What dismal days must one pass in such a country! What can a poor english lady do after dinner? She goes to assemblies, or to the opera. But if she is ill— She stays at home. What quite alone? Oh, how I pity your poor english ladies! Oh, how I rejoice at being born a frenchwoman! without the visits of a few well chosen friends I should die of _ennui_. Notwithstanding this passion for receiving and returning visits among one another, the french are frequently negligent in this respect towards the foreigners who are recommended to them. I have heard english ladies at Paris complain, that their visits were often not returned at all, and that that early attention was rarely shown as to this little _etiquette_, which well bred persons in England are so careful to observe. [93] _Boulotte_ is a gambling game much played at Paris, and said to be the support of several families. [94] This was, of course, written before the late changes in the government, which appear to provide against this event. I leave the remark unaltered, as, in the first place, this provision comes not from the people, but from the first consul himself. Secondly, this arrangement is only on paper, and if it last the life of Bonaparte, will scarcely be respected after his death. [95] It is Bonaparte who does every thing—every thing is submitted to him—every thing is possible for him.