Many call her an original; would that we had a few more such originals! I had brought no letters of recommendation to this amiable woman, but she happened to hear of my travels and paid me a visit.

In fact, the hospitality I met with here was really astonishing.

I was cordially welcomed in the very first circles, and every one did all in his power to be of use to me.

I could not help thinking of Count Rehberg, the Austrian minister at Rio Janeiro, who thought he had conferred a great mark of distinction by inviting me once to his villa; and, to purchase this honour, I had either to walk an hour in the burning heat or to pay six milreis (13s.) for a carriage.

In Calcutta, a carriage was always sent for me.