Manheim by steam-boat at 4 pounds, 9
shillings a-head, and children at half-price was not to be thought of.

"I wonder you don't go to Bruges," observed a committee man; "nice quiet
place--excellent masters--every thing so cheap--I once bought eighty
large peaches there for two francs."

And all the children clapped their little hands, and cried out for
Bruges and cheap peaches.

It was further submitted that it was convenient--you might go the whole
of the way by water--and Bruges was immediately under consideration.

"If you go to Bruges, you will find it very dull," observed another;
"but you'll meet Mrs Trollope there--now Brussels is very little
farther, and is a delightful place;" and Brussels was also referred to
the committee.

"You won't like Brussels--there is such a mixture, and house-rent is
dear. Now I should recommend Spa for the summer--it is a most beautiful
spot--and excellent company." And Spa was added to the list.

Then after a day or two came an Anti-Teutonic, who railed against
Germany--and Germans--German towns, German travelling, and German
_French_, which was detestable--German cookery, which was nothing but
grease. "You may imagine," said he, "and so have many more, that
Germany is more pleasant and less expensive than France; but they have
been disappointed, and so will you be. Now, for a quiet place, I should
recommend Saint Omer--only thirty miles from Calais--so convenient--and
very pretty."

Saint Omer--humph--very quiet and retired--and no politics--and Saint
Omer was occasionally canvassed.

"Saint Omer!" said another who called the next day, "you'll die of
ennui. Go to Boulogne--it is delightful--you may be there as retired or
as gay as you please."

Boulogne to be taken into consideration many inquiries made and all very
satisfactory--good sands and excellent jackasses for the children.

"My dear friend, Boulogne is something like the King's Bench--at least
most of the people only go there in preference. Every body will suppose
that you've _levanted_. Pray don't go to Boulogne."

"Why don't you go by Southampton to Havre--there you'll have quiet and
amusement--beautiful country about Honfleur--scenery up the Seine
splendid; and then you can go up to Rouen by water, if you intend to go
on to Paris."

Havre and Honfleur submitted to the committee.

But then came Dieppe, and Brest, and the environs of Paris, Versailles,
Saint Germain, Passy, and other recommendation