150

CHAPTER XII.

even

FLORENCE TO EMILY.

"Aix en Provence, 20th December.

6

"THREE weeks have now passed pleasantly away; I scarce know why I have not said so sooner, but in this way my journal will not serve to refresh my own private brain.' It seems but a summer day since our arrival, for the weather here is still warm as with us in summer; we are sitting with open windows, walking out with muslin scarfs, and resting under trees still in rich foliage, the fields around us quite green and covered with wild-flowers. We gathered the blue scented violet the other day, and observed the strawberries in blossom. When the mistral, a north-west wind, blows, it is bitter

cold, but since our arrival we have but twice experienced this disagreeable change; all as yet has been beyond our expectations, and I do not think any of us will ever forget the kindness and hospitality we are daily receiving here. With Monsieur de la B we are more and more pleased every day: our landlord tells us he is esteemed the first lawyer and the most eloquent man at Aix. He added, that he was ever ready to undertake the cause of the widow, or orphan, and that the day of the acquittal of a prisoner was always a day of triumph and happiness to him. It is to this gentleman that we åre indebted for an introduction to many most agreeable people, and they come to us in the easiest and pleasantest way. Last night, when almost on my knees blowing the fire, I turned round, on hearing a slight movement in the room, and saw the Marquis de P— and the Marquis de la G— bowing to papa and mamma. They had tapped at the door of the saloon, but I had not heard them; however, I was not much disconcerted, for marquises are very plentiful here, and not at all discomposing; for the Marquis de la

G-, taking the bellows from me, soon gave us a cheerful blaze, round which we all sat, and heard from him and his friend many interesting anecdotes, and several very pretty songs. In this way our evenings frequently pass pleasantly away, and our mornings are often not less agreeable. The scenery in the interior of the hills which surround this valley is romantic and beautiful, and we have had several delightful expeditions. Dear mamma, I am sorry to say, is not yet able to accompany us; we have gone with papa and Mr. Maitland, and with Monsieur la B for our guide. Never do we tire of listening to the varied and interesting information which he pours out on all subjects; and it is with feelings new and strange that we find ourselves seated in some grassy dell, gazing on a world hitherto unseen by us, and under shady trees, and by the side of clear brooks, listening to all the eloquence of French declamation in accents truly Parisian. We sometimes repeat part of these conversations to nurse, when we return home. You can have no idea how clever and amusing her remarks often are; but she seems somewhat

afraid lest we should get too intimate with

our friends.

6

No, no, Miss Florence,' she said to me the other day, 'don't allow yourself to be carried off your feet with these French-they are very civil and full of compliments, and will make you many a fine speakalation, I have no doubt, but they are not the right down right kind, for all that; there is Master Charles, he seems to have a natural perception that be should not be familiar with them-he would by no means say his lesson to Mr. la B- the other day, though he coaxed him ever so, and yet where will you see such a clever boy? a most excellent scholar he is; no need to hound him to his book, like most young gentlemen.' 6 But, nurse,' I observed, I had no idea he was so great a scholar; I thought he only knew the three first letters of the alphabet. A well, Miss Florence, and is not that a great deal for a young gentleman of his years? but it is no Master Charles, but these French we were speaking about,' she added, looking extremely hurt, and evidently wishing to change the subject, and no doubt you owe them civility for the grapes

6

and boukets of flowers they are always sending you; but I would like ill to see you making great friends of them, for all that.' I must not, therefore, say a word more in praise of Monsieur la B-- for this day at least, for I would not hurt nurse's feelings for the world; so adieu, dear Emily. Oh how good in you to turn out the Emily of the apple-pie; we owe you a debt of gratitude for that which never can be repaid."

"22nd December.

"We all went the other day with Monsieur la B to see a chateau near Aix, where Pauline, the Princess Borghese, used to reside. The apartments were beautifully fitted up. In the saloon where she had her evening parties, everything looked as if quite recently in use; on her writing-table lay her pen, with the ink scarcely dry upon it; in another corner stood her work-table; books were lying up and down; cushions and footstools were scattered about; but all was silent where mirth and gaiety so lately reigned; and we stood before a marble bust, her mute resemblance, with feelings of admi