And yet he was there at an exciting and important moment.

The Order of the Jesuits was tottering to its fall; the latter volumes of the _Encyclopedia_ were being printed, and it was no secret; the coruscating wit and audacity of the _salons_ were at their height.

He is not unjust or prejudiced, but somewhat cold.

He dines with Baron d'Holbach, and says his dinners were excellent, but nothing of the guests.

He goes to Madame Geoffrin, and pronounces her house an excellent one.