on, and the two young
countesses, her daughters, the eldest in her twenty-fourth and the
youngest in her twenty-second year.

There were seven saddle horses and a carriage, all of which were at our
service, and I had a chamberlain to attend on me. The domain was very
extensive. We had the privilege of shooting and fishing, and I found
myself as comfortable as I could possibly wish, and I much regretted I was
deprived of the happiness of seeing my wife and dear children in such
distinguished and amiable society.

One evening as we were all sitting in the large drawing room, it suddenly
appeared to be going on one side, and immediately after we were much
alarmed by a roaring noise like the flame in a chimney when on fire. I
attempted to move and nearly fell.

This was occasioned by the shock of an earthquake. During the anxious
suspense we were in, the servants had rushed into the room with horror in
their countenances, exclaiming, "Oh, mesdames, le chateau va tomber, et
nous serons ecrasees!"

"Peace," said the elder countess; "remain where you are." By the time she
had spoken the trembling ceased, nor had we another shock. After a short
interval we resumed our conversation as if nothing had occurred.

This part of France is much infested with wolves, and I frequently in the
night heard them near the house, but I only saw one of them in the day. I
fired at him, but as he was at some distance, he escaped without injury.

I had resided with this amiable family nearly a month, when one of the
servants who had been to Gueret entered nearly out of breath to say that,
"La belle France etait prise!" At the same time he handed a small printed
paper to the mother countess.

She smiled at the idea of the servant's report, and turning to me she
said, "I am rejoiced to be the first to announce to you that you are no
longer in captivity. The allied armies have taken Paris and Bonaparte has
abdicated. This is the 'Gazette,' I am happy to see once more decorated
with the _Fleur de Lys_."

I kissed her hand for the intelligence, and assured her although the
joyful news was everything I wished, I should much regret quitting her
family, where, during my short stay, I could not have experienced more
affection and kindness from my own relations than she had shown to me.

On the second day after this delightful intelligence, I took an
affectionate leave of the ladies. The count was absent.

At Gueret I joined the same party who ha