When the bowing, kneeling and swearing were ended the First Consul and his two scarlet supporters departed. Fresh discharges of cannons accompanied their return journey to the Tuileries. The opinion entertained by the people of this day of ceremony was that of indignation, mixed with contemptuous ridicule. In the evening Madame Bonaparte gave a grand rout to the ladies of the constituted authorities, and the city was illuminated. The illuminations were poor indeed, a few farthing rushlights stuck in paper lanterns hung out from every third or fourth house in the streets, and were called general illuminations, and even of those the greater part was put out by the wind. The Palace of the Tuileries was handsomely illuminated _à la chinoise_ with variegated lamps. Cambacères, the Second Consul, also illuminated his house with great taste and splendour. [Sidenote: THEATRE OF OPERA BUFFA] Vast numbers of people filled the streets and walks--great decorum and sobriety were everywhere observed, a circumstance which practically always distinguishes Frenchmen on such occasions. In the midst of all these pompous festivities the minds of the people are still greatly divided respecting the future. They are gratified by the return of peace--but they are suspicious of its continuation. To this may be added the general apprehension of some fresh changes in France, from the restless character of its present ruler, and his disposition to interfere in the internal economy of other States. XIX THEATRES. OPERA BUFFA. CORONATION OF PAESIELLO The theatres of Paris at the present time display such gross acts of licentiousness among the spectators and such obscene dialogue on the stage, that it is impossible to accompany a modest woman to most of them. To those where the rules of decency were observed, our ladies went, and the Opera Buffa was one of the few where we could resort with comfort and convenience. This theatre is in the Rue de la Victoire, and here one could listen to the charming music of Cimarosa, Martinelli and Paesiello.[1] This last composer has attained an immense success by a piece, called _Zingari in Flora_, which attracts crowded houses. On the third night of its representation Paesiello himself, just arrived from Naples, made his appearance in the box next the stage, opposite the one in which the First Consul, his wife, Louis Bonaparte and _his_ wife, _ci-devant_ Mdlle. Beauharnais, and the lady of Joseph Bonaparte were sitting.