ber-framed houses on
either side, and kept clean by running streams. On my way I inquired
for the house of Monsieur Planterre, which I found situated at the
entrance of an avenue which leads to the Chateau de Bizy, belonging to
the Duc de Penthievre.

The house, though of a primitive style of architecture, was better than
most of those I had passed. Being admitted, Larry having taken charge
of my horse, Monsieur Planterre received me with much courtesy, and,
telling me that I could not possibly reach the Chateau La Touche that
evening, invited me to take up my quarters at his house. I of course
was glad to accept his invitation, and Larry was at once sent round to
the stables with the horses. I took no further concern for him, being
well aware that he could make himself at home wherever he was.

Monsieur Planterre told me that he was acquainted with my friend La
Touche, and should be happy to accompany me to the chateau the next day.
I learned from him more of the state of things in France than I had
before known. He told me that republican principles were gaining ground
in all directions, and that the people were everywhere complaining of
the taxes imposed on them by the Government.

"Discontent indeed prevails everywhere, and unless reforms take place, I
know not what will be the result," he said, with a deep sigh. "Even in
this place the people are in an unsatisfactory state of mind."

I was introduced to Madame Planterre and her daughters, bright, pretty
young ladies, who seemed much attached to their parents. They gave me a
very pleasant idea of a French family of the upper middle class.

Next morning Monsieur Planterre asked me to defer starting for a couple
of hours, as he had to attend a meeting at the Town Hall, where he hoped
to propose some measure for the benefit of the poorer inhabitants. He
suggested that I should pass the intermediate time in taking a turn
through the town, and visiting an ancient tower and hospital founded by
Saint Louis, and other objects of interest.

Giving Larry directions to have the horses ready, I set out. Having
spent nearly two hours in visiting different parts of the town, I
ascended to the top of the ancient tower I have mentioned, from which I
obtained a fine view, not only of the picturesque old town, but along
the Seine for a considerable distance up and down, and also of the
Chateau de Bizy, with the fine avenue leading to it. I was about to
descend, when I