The French are so clever that they know even how to manage a place of this kind.

Of course it is very disagreeable to live with strangers, but as, after all, if I were not staying with Madame de Maisonrouge I should not be living in the Faubourg St.Germain, I don't know that from the point of view of exclusiveness it is any great loss to be here.
Our rooms are very prettily arranged, and the table is remarkably good.
Mamma thinks the whole thing--the place and the people, the manners and customs--very amusing; but mamma is very easily amused.

As for me, you know, all that I ask is to be let alone, and not to have people's society forced upon me.

I have never wanted for society of my own choosing, and, so long as I retain possession of my faculties, I don't suppose I ever shall.

As I said, however, the place is very well managed, and I succeed in doing as I please, which, you know, is my most cherished pursuit.
Madame de Maisonrouge has a great deal of tact--much more than poor father.