But he was a Rochellois, and a stranger to the capital.

There was nothing for it but to go ourselves.
Yet we did not determine on this adventure with light hearts, I remember.

Paris loomed big and awesome in the eyes of all of us.

The glamour of the court rather frightened than allured us.

We felt that shrinking from contact with the world which a country life engenders, as well as that dread of seeming unlike other people which is peculiar to youth.