I never saw a more striking Calmuck countenance. From his
conversation as well as from his actions I should think him a man
of great strength of character. Speaking of the Russians, he
compared their civilization to a naked man looking at himself in a
gilt-framed mirror, and he told an anecdote that illustrated the
perfunctory method of government. The Governor of Siberia lived at
Petersburg and never went near his Government. One day the Emperor,
in presence of this Governor and Rostopchin, was boasting of his
far-sightedness. "Commend me," said Rostopchin, "to M. le
Gouverneur, who sees so well from Petersburg to Siberia."

At a breakfast at Camille Jordain's were assembled three of the most
distinguished of the party who called themselves _Les Doctrinaires_, and
alleged that they were more attached to measures than to men:--

These three doctrinaires were Casimir Perier, Royer Collard and
Benjamin Constant, who is, I believe, of a more violent party. I do
not like him at all; his countenance, voice, manner and
conversation are all disagreeable to me. He is a fair, "whithky"
looking man, very near-sighted, with spectacles which seemed to
pinch his nose. He pokes out his chin to keep his spectacles on,
and yet looks over the top of his spectacles, _squinching_ up his
eyes, so that you cannot see your way into his mind. Then he speaks
through his nose and with a lisp, strangely contrasting with the
vehemence of his emphasis. He does not give me any confidence in
the sincerity of his patriotism, nor any high idea of his talents,
though he seems to have a mighty high idea of them himself. He has
been well called _Le Heros des Brochures_. We sat beside one
another, and I think felt a mutual antipathy. On the other side of
me was Royer Collard, suffering with toothache and swelled face;
but notwithstanding the distortion of the swelling, the natural
expression of his countenance and the strength and sincerity of
his soul made their way, and the frankness of his character and
plain superiority of his talents were manifest in five minutes'
conversation.

In June Miss Edgeworth and her sisters left Paris for a tour in
Switzerland, visiting their friends the Moilliets, who lived at Pregny,
near Geneva. Their house, which had formerly belonged to Josephine,
commanded a superb view o