father instantly ran towards her,
and acquainted her with our situation. This lady, far from acting like
the travellers we formerly met, went to an adjoining field where were
some farmers at work, and requested them to go with their oxen to free
us from our jeopardy, and returned herself with them. When our carriage
was put in a condition to continue our route, she invited us to refresh
ourselves in her country seat, situated in the middle of the wood. We
then took the cross-way, and returned with our carriage at the instance
of the amiable lady, who received us in the most affable and generous
manner. She offered us at first some pears, which were already very
good; after which we were served with an exquisite collation, at the end
of which a child, beautiful as the loves, presented us with a basket
filled with the fairest flowers of the spring. We accepted the gift of
Flora, in testimony of our regard for our generous landlady and her
charming child. Traversing after that the park of our hospitable
hostess, we rejoined the route to Rochefort.

In paying this just tribute of remembrance to the offices of that
person who gave us so great assistance, I cannot resist the pleasure of
mentioning her name. She is the wife of M. Telotte, superior officer of
the general magazine at Rochefort.

Already the masts of the ships appeared in the horizon, and we heard in
the distance a hollow and confused sound, like that made by a multitude
of people engaged in various occupations. On approaching nearer to
Rochefort, we found that the tumult we heard was caused by the labourers
in the wood-yards and the galley-slaves, who, painfully dragging their
fetters, attended to the various labours of the port. Having entered the
town, the first picture which presented itself to our eyes was that of
these unfortunate creatures, who, coupled two and two by enormous
chains, are forced to carry the heaviest burdens. It may be mentioned,
in passing, that the sight is not very attracting to young ladies who
have never been out of Paris; for, in spite of all the repugnance we can
have for those who are condemned by the laws to live apart from society,
we can never look with indifference on that crowd of thinking beings,
degraded, by following their vicious actions, to a level with the beasts
of burden.

My mind was yet occupied with these painful reflections, when my father,
opening the door of the carriage, requested us to follow him into an
hot