His fifty years and gray hairs made him enjoy among women the confidence inspired by mature age, although he had not given up the thought of love affairs.

He talked of his native mountains with enthusiasm.

He would at any time sing the "Ranz des Vaches" with tears in his eyes, and was the best story-teller in the Comtesse Jules's circle.

The last new song or 'bon mot' and the gossip of the day were the sole topics of conversation in the Queen's parties.

Wit was banished from them.