P. S.--I began this account of my visit to the _Hotel Dieu_ yesterday. As I am perfectly well this morning, I think the point of non-contagion, in my own case at least, is clear. I breathed the same air with the dying and the diseased for two hours, and felt of nearly a hundred to be satisfied of the curious phenomena of the vital heat. Perhaps an experiment of this sort in a man not professionally a physician, may be considered rash or useless; and I would not willingly be thought to have done it from any puerile curiosity. I have been interested in such subjects always; and I considered the fact that the king's sons had been permitted to visit the hospital, a sufficient assurance that the physicians were seriously convinced there could be no possible danger. If I need an apology, it may be found in this. LETTER XVII. LEGION OF HONOR--PRESENTATION TO THE KING--THE THRONE OF FRANCE--THE QUEEN AND THE PRINCESSES--COUNTESS GUICCIOLI--THE LATE DUEL--THE SEASON OF CARNIVAL--ANOTHER FANCY BALL-- DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC MASKERS--STREET MASKING--BALL AT THE PALACE--THE YOUNG DUKE OF ORLEANS-- PRINCESS CHRISTINE--LORD HARRY VANE--HEIR OF CARDINAL RICHELIEU--VILLIERS--BERNARD, FABVIER, COUSIN, AND OTHER DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS--THE SUPPER--THE GLASS VERANDAH, ETC. As I was getting out of a _fiacre_ this morning on the Boulevard, I observed that the driver had the cross of the legion of honor, worn very modestly under his coat. On taking a second look at his face, I was struck with its soldier-like, honest expression; and with the fear that I might imply a doubt by a question, I simply observed, that he probably received it from Napoleon. He drew himself up a little as he assented, and with half a smile pulled the coarse cape of his coat across his bosom. It was done evidently with a mixed feeling of pride and a dislike of ostentation, which showed the nurture of Napoleon. It is astonishing how superior every being seems to have become that served under him. Wherever you find an old soldier of the "emperor," as they delight to call him, you find a noble, brave, unpretending man. On mentioning this circumstance to a friend, he informed me, that it was possibly a man who was well known, from rather a tragical circumstance. He had driven a gentleman to a party one night, who was dissatisfied with him, for some reason or other, and abused him very grossly. The _cocher_ the next morning sent him a challenge; and, as the cross of honor levels all distinctions, he was compelled to fight him, and was shot dead at the first fire.