After his visit I told Esprit to take me to the Palais-Royal, and I left him at the gates.

I felt the greatest curiosity about that renowned garden, and at first I examined everything.

I see a rather fine garden, walks lined with big trees, fountains, high houses all round the garden, a great many men and women walking about, benches here and there forming shops for the sale of newspapers, perfumes, tooth-picks, and other trifles.

I see a quantity of chairs for hire at the rate of one sou, men reading the newspaper under the shade of the trees, girls and men breakfasting either alone or in company, waiters who were rapidly going up and down a narrow staircase hidden under the foliage.
I sit down at a small table: a waiter comes immediately to enquire my wishes.

I ask for some chocolate made with water; he brings me some, but very bad, although served in a splendid silver-gilt cup.