after the entrance of the servant
with refreshments permitted a movement in the group, when I took the
opportunity to stand up and approach Duchesne, as he bent over a table,
listlessly turning over the leaves of a volume.

"Just think of the contradictions of human nature, Burke," said he, in a
low whisper. "These are the receptions for which the new noblesse
would give half their wealth. These melancholy visits of worn-out
acquaintances, these sapless twigs of humanity, are the envy of
such houses as the Hotel Clichy; and to be admitted to these gloomy,
moth-eaten _salons_, is a greater honor than an invitation to the
Tuileries. So long as this exists, depend upon it, there is rottenness
in the core of society. But come, let us take our leave; I see you
are well wearied of all this. And now for an hour at Madame de
Lacostellerie's,--_en revanche_."

As we came forward to make our adieux to the duchess, she rose from her
seat, and in so doing her sleeve brushed against a small marble statue
of Louis the Sixteenth, which, had I not opportunely caught it, would
have fallen to the ground.

"Thank you, sir," said she, graciously. "You have prevented what I
should have deemed a sad accident."

"Nay, more, Aunt," said Duchesne, smiling; "he has shown his readiness
to restore the Bourbon."

This speech, evidently spoken in jest, was repeated from lip to lip in
the circle; and certainly I never felt my awkwardness more oppressive
than when bowing to the party, whose elated looks and pleased
countenances now were turned towards me.

"My poor, bashful friend," said Duchesne, as we descended the stair;
"get rid of the habit of blushing with all convenient despatch. It has
marred more fortunes than pharo or bouillotte."

"This, assuredly, is well done!" said the chevalier, as he looked
around him, while we slowly ascended the stairs of the Hotel Glichy:
the brilliant light, almost rivalling day; the servants in gorgeous
liveries; the air of wealth around on every side, so different from
the sad-colored mansion of the Faubourg; while, as the opening doors
permitted it to be heard, the sound of delicious music came wafted to
the ear.

"I say, Burke," said he, stopping suddenly, and laying his hand on my
arm, "this might content a man who has seen as much as I have. And the
game is well worth the playing; so here goes!"

The first person I saw as we entered the ante-chamber was Bubbleton. He
was the centre of a knot of fo