Hence they were named, "_Les Filles de l'Opera_," as persons sometimes said "_Les Filles de la Reine_." _A propos_ of the Opera, Madame Grassini, once no less celebrated for her beauty than for her voice, was of the party last night.

She is, and deservedly, a general favourite in Parisian society, in which her vivacity, good-nature, and amiability, are duly appreciated.

Her lively sallies and _naive_ remarks are very amusing; and the frankness and simplicity she has preserved in a profession and position so calculated to induce the reverse, add to her attractions and give piquancy to her conversation.
There are moments in which Madame Grassini's countenance becomes lighted up with such animation, that it seems to be invested with a considerable portion of the rare beauty for which she was so remarkable.
Her eyes are still glorious, and, like those only of the sunny South, can flash with intelligence, or melt with tenderness.

It is when conversing on the grand _roles_ which she filled as _prima donna_, that her face lights up as I have noticed,--as the war-horse, when hearing the sound of the trumpet, remembers the scene of his past glory.
When in Italy, some years since, Madame Grassini's carriage was stopped by brigands, who, having compelled her to descend, ransacked it and took possession of her splendid theatrical wardrobe, and her magnificent diamonds.
She witnessed the robbery with calmness, until she saw the brigands seize the portrait of the Emperor Napoleon, presented to her by his own hand, and set round with large brilliants, when she appealed to them with tears streaming down her cheeks to take the settings and all the diamonds, but not to deprive her of the portrait of her "dear, dear Emperor!" When this circumstance was referred to she told me the story, and her eyes glistened with tears while relating it.
Went to Orsay yesterday, and passed a very agreeable day there.

It was a fortified chateau, and must have been a very fine place before the Revolution caused, not only its pillage, but nearly total destruction, for only one wing of it now remains.
Built in the reign of Charles VII, it was esteemed one of the best specimens of the feudal _chateau fort_ of that epoch; and the subterranean portion of it still attests its former strength and magnitude.
It is surrounded by a moat, not of stagnant water, but supplied by the river Ivette, which flows at the base of the hill on which the chateau stands.