s of the order, and his majesty's profound and
reverential bow before the altar as he retired, were novelties and
curiosities to me, but surprised me much less than the patience and
perseverance with which they all kneeled, for two hours together, upon
the hard marble of which the floor of the chapel was made. The
distinction of the blue ribbon was very dearly purchased at the price of
enduring this painful operation four times in a year, The Count de
Vergennes confessed to me that he was almost dead with the pain of it.
And the only insinuation I ever heard, that the king was in any degree
touched by the philosophy of the age, was, that he never discovered so
much impatience, under any of the occurrences of his life, as in going
through those tedious ceremonies of religion, to which so many hours of
his life were condemned by the catholic church.

The queen was attended by her ladies to the gallery opposite to the
altar, placed in the centre of the seat, and there left alone by the
other ladies, who all retired. She was an object too sublime and
beautiful for my dull pen to describe. I leave this enterprise to Mr.
Burke. But in his description, there is more of the orator than of the
philosopher. Her dress was everything that art and wealth could make it.
One of the maids of honor told me she had diamonds upon her person to
the value of eighteen millions of livres; and I always thought her
majesty much beholden to her dress. Mr. Burke saw her probably but once.
I have seen her fifty times perhaps, and in all the varieties of her
dresses. She had a fine complexion, indicating perfect health, and was a
handsome woman in her face and figure. But I have seen beauties much
superior, both in countenance and form, in France, England, and America.

After the ceremonies of this institution are over, there is a collection
for the poor; and that this closing scene may be as elegant as any of
the former, a young lady of some of the first families in France is
appointed to present the box to the knights. Her dress must be as rich
and elegant, in proportion, as the Queen's, and her hair, motions, and
curtsies must have as much dignity and grace as those of the knights. It
was a curious entertainment to observe the easy air, the graceful bow,
and the conscious dignity of the knight, in presenting his contribution;
and the corresponding ease, grace, and dignity of the lady, in receiving
it, were not less charming. Every muscle, nerve,