I wished to observe the different forms taken by the irritation that I should naturally produce; for it is under the influence of irritation that the French character most completely expresses itself.

My presence, however, does not appear to operate as a stimulus, and in this respect I am materially disappointed.

They treat me as they treat every one else; whereas, in order to be treated differently, I was resigned in advance to be treated worse.

I have not, as I say, fully explained to myself this logical contradiction; but this is the explanation to which I tend.

The French are so exclusively occupied with the idea of themselves, that in spite of the very definite image the German personality presented to them by the war of 1870, they have at present no distinct apprehension of its existence.