_Tuesday, December 6th._--In the morning I telegraphed to Berlin and London more detailed particulars of the victory at Orleans. Then wrote articles for the _Moniteur_ and the German papers on the way in which French officers interned in Germany are breaking their parole. So long as this unworthy conduct receives approval and encouragement from the Government of National Defence, it is impossible for us to carry on any negotiations with it. Dr. Lauer and Odo Russell dined with us to-day. The conversation was not of particular interest. We had, however, a delicious Palatine wine--Deidesheimer Hofstück and Forster Kirchenstück, a noble juice, rich in all virtues, fragrant, and fiery. _Aus Feuer ward der Geist erschaffen_. Even Bucher, who usually drinks only red wine, did justice to this heavenly dew from the Haardt Hills. I afterwards wrote an article in which I politely expressed surprise at the brazen impudence with which Grammont reminds the world of his existence in the Brussels _Gaulois_. He who, through his unparalleled ineptitude, has brought so much misery upon France, should, like his colleague Ollivier, have hidden himself in silence and been glad to be forgotten. Or, inspired by his ancient name, he should have joined the army and fought for his country, so as in some degree to expiate the wrong he has done it. Instead of doing anything of the kind, however, he dares to remind the world that he still lives, and once conducted the foreign policy of France. “A blockhead, a coward, an impudent fellow!” said the Chief, when he instructed me to write this article. “You can use the strongest expressions in dealing with him.” CHAPTER XIV THE PROSPECTS OUTSIDE PARIS IMPROVE