Page:Early Reminiscences.djvu/43

Rh their present condition. Little Margaret looks like a very pink rosebud, and is full of fun and affection, and laughs at her own wit with one of the heartiest bursts you ever heard. Sabine is more improved in temper and looks than you can fancy. He has become quite a cheerful little fellow, and has lost the anxious look that used so often to reside in his face. Willy is the great delight of both the other children; they would give up anything to or for him, and are always kissing and coaxing his merry face. I beg to say that my boy Willy is larger in limb and face than Sissy, and as far as face goes, is certainly larger than Sabine."

To her sister Emily she wrote: "I am writing this letter on the night of the splendid Prefect's ball, to which all the world is going, but a few souls like myself. I do not feel very strong, at all events not sufficiently so to sacrifice my comfort to-morrow to to-night's festivities, and if I stay up late and revel, I always feel it afterwards. . . . Strangers are here necessarily drawn into a very large acquaintance, as, contrary to ordinary custom (at least, that which is English), it is expected of the new-comer that he or she leave cards on all the resident families that are in Society. It is a point of etiquette to the inhabitants, which one would not wish to neglect, taking, as one does, their town by storm. Mr. Haye furnished us with a long list, chiefly of French people, for there were only a few English residents. The number of these latter, rapidly augmented; and each, on his arrival, enlists you forcibly amongst the number of his friends, and challenges your acquaintance. The cards left at your door are then acknowledged by you, by a visit; after which, if the party is further desirous of your acquaintance, he calls again; and Edward desired me to tell you, as everyone is, and naturally would be, desirous of our acquaintance, the pile of cards collected in a few days would amuse you, far exceeding the receipts of Colleton Crescent for the year. Also at New Year's Day an exchange of cards goes on between each family (not visits), so that cards form a considerable item in the year's account. On my chimney-piece you may see exhibited the grand array, those of Countesses, Ladies of title, Barons and Baronesses, in abundance."

In May, my mother was very ill, and my father took her and us to Bagnières de Bigorre, where she got better, but all the rest