"So now that pretty little retreat in the _Rue de la Tour des Dames_ is ended for ever for you and me. We shall not see the faun in _terre cuite_ again; I was thinking of going to see him the other day, but the street is so steep; my coachman advised me to spare the horse's hind legs. I believe it is the steepest street in Paris. And your luncheon parties, how I did enjoy them, and how Fay did enjoy them too; and what I risked, short-sighted as I am, picking my way from the tramcar down to that out-of-the-way little street! Men never appreciate the risks women run for them. But to leave my letters lying about--I cannot forgive that. When I told Fay she said, 'What can you expect? I warned you against flirting with boys.' I never did before--never. "Paris is now just as it was when you used to sit on the balcony and I read you Browning. You never liked his poetry, and I cannot understand why. I have found a new poem which I am sure would convert you; you should be here. There are lilacs in the room and the _Mont Valérien_ is beautiful upon a great lemon sky, and the long avenue is merging into violet vapour. "We have already begun to think of where we shall go to this year. Last year we went to P----, an enchanting place, quite rustic, but within easy distance of a casino. I had vowed not to dance, for I had been out every night during the season, but the temptation proved irresistible, and I gave way. There were two young men here, one the Count of B----, the other the Marquis of G----, one of the best families in France, a distant cousin of my husband. He has written a book which every one says is one of the most amusing things that has appeared for years, _c'est surtout très Parisien_. He paid me great attentions, and made my husband wildly jealous. I used to go out and sit with him amid the rocks, and it was perhaps very lucky for me that he went away. We may return there this year; if so, I wish you would come and spend a month; there is an excellent hotel where you would be very comfortable. We have decided nothing as yet. The Duchesse de ---- is giving a costume ball; they say it is going to be a most wonderful affair. I don't know what money is not going to be spent upon the cotillion. I have just got home a fascinating toilette. I am going as a _Pierette_; you know, a short skirt and a little cap. The Marquise gave a ball some few days ago. I danced the cotillion with L----, who, as you know, dances divinely; _il m'a fait la cour_, but it is of course no use, you know that.