emen would have played the harlequin and receive their dethroned
Emperor as they did when he entered Paris again? "Put not your trust in
men, particularly Frenchmen in 1814, O ye house of Bourbon, for they made
ye march out of France without beat of drum."

[Illustration: THE ENTRY OF THE ALLIES INTO PARIS BY THE PORTE ST. MARTIN,
MARCH 31, 1814.]

I was much amused with the conduct of the Imperial Guard who followed the
national heroes. The Poissardes cried out, "Vive le Garde Imperiale!" All
they uttered was "Vive les Poissardes!" They looked as black as thunder.

I understood there was a cause of dissatisfaction among them in
consequence of a mark of distinction having been given to the shop-keeping
soldiers and not any to them. This was the Comte d'Artois' clever policy;
at least, so I was informed by my companion who had taken the other half
of the window where we stood. My thoughts were seven fathoms deep.

CHAPTER XXVII.

HONOURABLY ACQUITTED.

Obtain a passport after some difficulty from Prince
Metternich--Start for England _via_ Rouen and Havre--Sail to
Spithead--Amused at Englishwomen's queer dress--Return to
family--Acquitted for loss of H.M.S. _Apelles_.

The morning before my departure I waited on Lord Aberdeen, requesting a
passport to England; he referred me to Prince Metternich. I reached his
hotel, and had to wade through a host of long-whiskered, long-piped
gentlemen, who were smoking with all their might and main, and spitting in
all directions.

As I advanced, a genteel-looking young man, who was dressed in an
aide-de-camp's uniform, came to me and asked in French the purport of my
visit. I informed him. He left me, and soon returned and requested I would
walk into another room, where I found the German Prince, who received me
very cavalierly, and asked me what I did in Paris when there were
transports waiting at Bordeaux to carry over the English.

"I thank your Highness for the information, but I do not wish to go by
that route. My intention is to return to England by Havre, and I shall
feel obliged by your granting me a passport to that effect."

"You should go to Lord Aberdeen for one."

"I have already seen him, and he directed me to you, as you were in
command of the capital," I replied.

He muttered something which I could not, nor did I wish to, understand.
After a paus