The godfather always sends the _bonbons_ and a trinket to the mother of the child, and also presents the godmother with a _corbeille_, in which are some dozens of gloves, two or three handsome fans, embroidered purses, a smelling-bottle, and a _vinaigrette_; and she offers him, _en revanche_, a cane, buttons, or a pin--in short, some present. The _corbeilles_ given to godmothers are often very expensive, being suited to the rank of the parties; so that in Paris the compliment of being selected as a godfather entails no trifling expense on the chosen. The great prices given for wedding _trousseaux_ in France, even by those who are not rich, surprise me, I confess. They contain a superabundance of every article supposed to be necessary for the toilette of a _nouvelle mariée_, from the rich robes of velvet down to the simple _peignoir de matin_. Dresses of every description and material, and for all seasons, are found in it. Cloaks, furs, Cashmere shawls, and all that is required for night or day use, are liberally supplied; indeed, so much so, that to see one of these _trousseaux_, one might imagine the person for whom it was intended was going to pass her life in some far-distant clime, where there would be no hope of finding similar articles, if ever wanted. Then comes the _corbeille de mariage_, well stored with the finest laces, the most delicately embroidered pocket handkerchiefs, veils, _fichus, chemisettes_ and _canezous_, trinkets, smelling-bottles, fans, _vinaigrettes_, gloves, garters; and though last, not least, a purse well filled to meet the wants or wishes of the bride,--a judicious attention never omitted. These _trousseaux_ and _corbeilles_ are placed in a _salon_, and are exhibited to the friends the two or three days previously to the wedding; and the view of them often sends young maidens--ay, and elderly ones, too--away with an anxious desire to enter that holy state which ensures so many treasures. It is not fair to hold out such temptations to the unmarried, and may be the cause why they are generally so desirous to quit the pale of single blessedness. CHAPTER XIV. Count Charles de Mornay dined here yesterday, _en famille_. How clever and amusing he is! Even in his liveliest sallies there is the evidence of a mind that can reflect deeply, as well as clothe its thoughts in the happiest language. To be witty, yet thoroughly good-natured as he is, never exercising his wit at the expense of others, indicates no less kindness of heart than talent.