I thought the method of drying linen more worth imitating. It is laid in a sort of wardrobe lined with tin, and kept at an equal heat by means of steam. _February 9th._ The sun has disappeared again, and the cold has returned with such force that I am writing to you in gloves--for the better preservation of my white hands, to which I, like Lord Byron, attach great importance. I honestly confess I don't see that a man is 'un fat' merely for trying to preserve the little beauty God has given him; at all events chapped hands are a horror to me and always were.--Talking of this, I remember that I was once in the boudoir of a very beautiful woman in Strasburg, where I met Field-marshal W---- (then only General), who in eulogizing Napoleon laid a peculiar stress on his temperance, adding in a contemptuous tone, "A hero could not be a 'gourmand.'" Now the fair lady, who was otherwise a very kind friend of mine, knew me to be not quite insensible to 'bonne chére,' to gratify her malicious pleasure in teasing me, made the General repeat his observation. Though I never set up for a hero, (except in a little romance or two, here and there,) I felt that I blushed; one of those stupidities of which I never could break myself, even on many occasions where there was no ground for it. Provoked at myself, I said with some pique, "It is fortunate for the lovers of a good table, General, that there are a few brilliant exceptions to your rule. Remember Alexander:--it is true that a too luxurious feast led him into the burning of Persepolis;--but I think you will allow him to have been a hero for all that: and 'gourmandise' did not prevent Frederick the Great from acquiring immortal renown, both as a warrior and ruler.--You, General, who have fought with the French with so much glory, should not attack a good 'cuisine;' for that nation, however, distinguished be her generals, will obtain a wider and perhaps more lasting fame from her cooks." This last sentence was doubtless inspired by a prophetic spirit; and how would the enthusiastic eulogist of Napoleon have wondered, had I told him that in a little while he would stand opposed to the great 'non-gourmond' himself, and would receive one of the last effectual 'coups de griffes' of the sick lion. You think, I dare say, dear Julia, that this anecdote is as much in place here as one of our friend H----'s 'a-propos.' But you are mistaken. I now go to adduce Alcibiades and Poniatowsky, as examples of men distinguished for attention to dress and to their persons; thus proving from experience that neither sensibility to good cheer, nor a little 'fatuité,' are any obstacles to heroism, if other qualities be not wanting.