s,
woven into the myth of Psyche. The ceiling is in relief, the
old-fashioned mantel-piece dating back to the sixteenth century,
while the vases and clock are the finest Sevres ware. The table in
the centre is the same one on which Napoleon signed his abdication
before taking his parting leave from his old Guard on the 20th of
April, 1814, to go into exile at Elba. The floor of inlaid polished
wood has been much worn by the feet of travelers passing through
the palace daily.]

[Illustration: APARTMENT OF MME. DE MAINTENON, FONTAINEBLEAU PALACE,
FRANCE.--Madame de Maintenon was the second wife of Louis XIV.,
although no written proof of such a marriage is extant; but, that
it took place, is nevertheless certain. As a wife, she was wholly
admirable; she had to entertain a man that would not be amused,
and was obliged to submit to a terribly strict court etiquette
of absolute obedience to the King's inclinations. This she always
did cheerfully, and never complained of weariness or illness. Her
apartments still appear as they did when occupied by her.]

[Illustration: NICE, FRANCE.--Superbly situated on the shores of
the Mediterranean is the City of Nice. In winter it is the rendezvous
of invalids and others from all parts of Europe, who seek refuge
here from the bleak and vigorous atmosphere of the North. The season
begins with the races early in January, and closes with a great
regatta at the beginning of April; but visitors abound from October
until May. In summer the place is deserted.]

[Illustration: MONACO.--This principality of Europe, French in
language, but Italian in tradition, is located in the southern part
of France, on the Mediterranean Sea. Its area is six square miles,
and consists principally of the town of Monaco and its suburbs,
which stand on a high promontory. Monaco has a fine palace, a new
cathedral, a college, a noted casino, where gambling is licensed to
pay with its profits the state expenses; it has also manufactories
of spirits, fine pottery, bricks, perfumery, and objects of myth.
The principality is now virtually under French control.]

[Illustration: MONTE CARLO, FRANCE.--This place is a health-resort
in winter and a sea-bathing place in summer; but the chief attraction
to many is the "tapis vert" at the Casino. Monte Carlo belongs
politically to the diminutive principality of Monaco; the former,
as seen in the picture, is picturesquely situated on a small level
at the foot of a high ra