tle knock came to my door. It
was M. Rubichon, come to conduct me to the _salle_, and anxious to know
if I were satisfied with my chamber.

"In summer, Monsieur, if we shall have the happiness of possessing you
here at that season, the view of the garden is delightful from this
window; and,--you have not noticed it, of course, but there is a little
stair, which descends from the window into the garden, which you will
find a great convenience when you wish to walk. This way, now. We are a
small party to-day, and indeed shall be for a few weeks. What name shall
I have the honor to announce?"

"Mr. Burke."

"Ah! an Irish name," said he, smiling, as he threw open the door of a
spacious but simply furnished apartment, in which about a dozen persons
were standing or sitting around the stove.

I could not help remarking, that as Monsieur Rubichon presented me to
his other guests, my name seemed to meet a kind of recognition from each
in turn. My host perceived this, and explained it at once by saying,--

"We have a namesake of yours amongst us; not exactly at this moment,
for he is in Normandy, but he will be back in a week or so. Madame de
Langeac, let me present Mr. Burke."

Monsieur Rubichon's guests were all persons somewhat advanced in life;
and though in their dress evincing a most unvarying simplicity and
economy, had yet a look of habitual good tone and breeding which could
not be mistaken. Among these, the lady to whom I was now introduced was
conspicuous, and in her easy and graceful reception of me, showed the
polished manners of one accustomed to the best society.

After some half-jesting observations, expressive of surprise that a
young man--and consequently, as she deemed, a gay one--should have
selected as his residence an unvisited quarter and a very retired house,
she took my arm, and proceeded to the dinner-room.

The dinner itself, and the table equipage, were in keeping with the
simplicity of the whole establishment; but if the fare was humble and
the wine of the very cheapest, all the habitudes of the very highest
society presided at the meal, and the polished ease and elegance, so
eminently the gift of ancient French manners, were conspicuous.

There prevailed among the guests all the intimacy of a large family;
at the same time a most courteous deference was remarkable, which never
approached familiarity. And thus they talked lightly and pleasantly
together of mutual friends and places they had