I don't mind Frenchmen as Frenchmen; but what I say is, let them stick to their fal-de-rals." "That is the side of them which, in my somewhat responsible position, I endeavour to humour.

You see the result." He swept his hand towards the painted panels.

"One thing I must say, in justice to my charges, I find them docile." Dorothea had confidence in her brother's tact and his unerring eye for his audience.

Yet she looked about her nervously, to make sure that of the few prisoners selected for invitation to the ball, none was within earshot.

The Vicomte de Tocqueville, a stoical young patrician, had chosen a partner for the next dance, and was leading her out with that air of vacuity with which he revenged himself upon the passing hour of misfortune.