CHAPTER XI.
Groups of Children in the Gardens of the Luxembourg--Joyous Sounds--The Nurses--The Child of Noble Birth and that of the _Parvenu_--Joys of Childhood--Contrast between Youth and Age--Meeting with Dr.P---- -- Arrival of General and the Comtesse d'Orsay--Attractions of the latter--Remark of Napoleon--Affection in Domestic Circles in France--The Duchesse de Guiche--The Comtesse d'Orsay--The Duc de Gramont--Madame Craufurd--The _ci-devant Jeune Homme_--Potter, the actor--Sir Francis Burdett--Advantages of French Society--Topics of Conversation--Pedigrees of Horses--French Politeness--Deferential Treatment of the Fair Sex--Domestic Duties of the Duchesse do Guiche--Influence of Courts--Visit to the Theatre des Nouveautes--_La Maison du Rempart_--Inflammable Exhibitions--Mr.Cuthbert and M.
Charles Lafitte--advance of Civilization--Lady Combermere--Mr.Charles Grant (now Lord Glenelg)--Curiosity Shops on the Quai Voltaire--Madame de Sevigne--Objects that have belonged to celebrated People--A Hint to the Ladies--Pincushion of Madame de Maintenon--The Marquis de Rambouillet--Moliere's _Precieuses Ridicules_--Pangs of Jealousy--Julie d'Angennes--Brilliant Coterie, 120..