The same thing happened at the Opera-house, to which I hastened the day after my arrival! I was sensible of the same deficiency at Versailles! and some time after on viewing the sea.

I am convinced this would ever be the consequence of a too flattering description of any object; for it is impossible for man, and difficult even for nature herself, to surpass the riches of my imagination.
By the reception I met with from all those to whom my letters were addressed, I thought my fortune was certainly made.

The person who received me the least kindly was M.de Surbeck, to whom I had the warmest recommendation.

He had retired from the service, and lived philosophically at Bagneux, where I waited on him several times without his offering me even a glass of water.

I was better received by Madam de Merveilleux, sister-in-law to the interpreter, and by his nephew, who was an officer in the guards.