Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. I.djvu/259

Rh interesting persons whom I met in social life, to which I now devoted myself more than I had hitherto done.

Lausanne no longer possesses any of that life which riveted Voltaire there, together with many intellectual travelers, and caused its social circle to receive the name of société du printemps, but it is still rich in good, cultivated, and very amiable individuals. I became acquainted with many thinking and agreeable men belonging to the teachers of the university; and the young, noble-hearted, truth-loving Professor Hornung became my friend. But above all, it did me good to see and to hear Professor Vulleimin. I never conversed with him without feeling, my hope of the ultimate triumph of the good, more strong; without more clearly comprehending the development of human and political life into freedom and self-decision. Because the ideal of life is very clearly revealed to the mind of this thinker.

I found amongst the ladies also, many amiable characters; and I heard, many a time, words from their lips, worthy of remembrance for their depth and for the wisdom of life which they expressed. I saw the excellent Madame Vinet but seldom however, because she was confined to her home by the severe and incurable sickness of her only son; but every moment which I spent with her, remained as a point of light in my soul.

La société de la Rue de Bourg, is peculiarly that of the aristocracy of the city, and keeps itself tolerably exclusive to its own hill. It gives choice dinners, and is possessed of wit and worldly wisdom. Before all others, I bear in memory a young lady, with light