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 that nothing could have happened better for us on my arrival here. I rather like getting the cards without calling; there are heaps of them, but C, says it is not polite to let them pay the first visit. The other evening I also saw Sir James Hudson, the English minister; he is very intimate with our cousins the Ashleys and Baillies, and seemed quite pleased to talk about them. He said repeatedly that he felt as if we were old friends, and we shook hands most warmly at parting. I was the more pleased because C. had quite laughed at me for wishing to see, Sir James, assuring me it would be no earthly use; that he was charming in mens's society, but never went out, or had anything to do with ladies. He is a very handsome man 'et représente' more than any one here. Finally I was dead tired, and we departed, the Chief accompanying and thinking me most courteously for all the trouble I had taken.

"The next day, though Sunday, was almost as fatiguing. Various important ladies here receive on Sundays, and we had agreed it was better to go round and see them at once and get it over. C. was 'de service' to take the Prince to the Vaudois Church (M. Brassier is a Catholic). He first went to bid M. Kolochine good-by at the railway, and then set, off, provided with three 'cantiques'—one for the Prince, one for the aide-de-camp, and one for himself. I went to church with vague hopes that perhaps C. might return with me: but after the service, which was long, as there was a réception de catéchunèbnes, I had the pleasure of seeing him and M. Ubel get into the Prince's carriage and drive off, Various people called, and I then prepared. very unwillingly to set forth on my first expedition alone. I drove, first to the Comtesse Robilant, as I had been there once already, and at least knew my way. She had few people, and was very gracious. I afterwards went to the the, Marquise d'Arvilars, whom I found holding a small court. She made me sit by her in the midst of the circle, and inquired politely 'si j'étais' remiise de toutes roes fatigues de réception.' but I did not feel happy, and did not stay long. C. did not return till near six, having seen the Prince