Emerson, Ruskin, and Carlyle were my chosen companions.
We made several pleasant acquaintances among some Irish families who were trying to live on their reduced incomes in Toulouse.

One of these gave us a farewell ball.

As several companies of the French army were stationed there, we met a large number of officers at the ball.

I had always supposed the French were graceful dancers.

I was a quiet "looker on in Vienna," so I had an opportunity of comparing the skill of the different nationalities.