Page:A hairdresser's experience in high life.djvu/22

24 mistress of Louis Quatorze. To these gardens my lady had free access at all times.

It would be impossible for my feeble pen to describe the beauty of the environs of the Palaces of Versailles. The gravel walks, innumerable fountains, jet-d'eaux, over-arching trees, and velvet lawns, are only things I can name as existing there, without possessing the power even to describe the emotions they occasioned me; and beside, they have been so frequently pictured by less humble historians than myself, that I can not presume to say more than that I saw, admired, and enjoyed them through many a long and idle day.

As I have said before, my lady wawas [sic] kind and indulgent to me at all times. Three days in the week we were permitted to stroll through the palaces and gardens; and if my little charge were living to-day, her memory would be filled with bright visions of those pleasant times. But, both mother and daughter now sleep side by side, in Death's cold embrace. Peace to their ashes!

I enjoyed nothing more, in visiting the parks and other public places, than the splendid music, played by bands employed at government expense, to amuse and enliven the people. It was very pleasant to saunter about, and sit upon the rustic seats beneath the trees, and be regaled by the inspiring sounds, as they floated over the scene. Such hours as these, I fear, will never come again: but, at least, they will ever be pleasant memories.

It was curious to see and hear the people wonder who I was, and what country or nation I had come from, as I strolled through the parks, palaces and