s an exaltation of it: the difference
is, therefore, in the degree, not nature. But to return to Mrs. C--; she
writes beautiful poetry--almost impromptu; draws excellent caricatures;
possesses a laugh for whatever is ridiculous, but never loses a smile
for whatever is good. Placed in very peculiar situations, she has passed
through each with a grace and credit which make her best eulogium. If
she possesses one quality higher than intellect, it is her kindness of
heart: no wonder indeed, that she is so really clever--those trees which
are the soundest at the core produce the finest fruits, and the most
beautiful blossoms."

"Lord Vincent grows poetical," thought I--"how very different he really
is to that which he affects to be in the world; but so it is with
every one--we are all like the ancient actors: let our faces be ever so
beautiful, we must still wear a mask."

After an hour's walk, Vincent suddenly recollected that he had a
commission of a very important nature in the Rue J. J. Rousseau. This
was--to buy a monkey. "It is for Wormwood," said he, "who has written me
a long letter, describing its' qualities and qualifications. I suppose
he wants it for some practical joke--some embodied bitterness--God
forbid I should thwart him in so charitable a design!"

"Amen," said I; and we proceeded together to the monkey-fancier. After
much deliberation we at last decided upon the most hideous animal I ever
beheld--it was of a--no, I will not attempt to describe it--it would
be quite impossible! Vincent was so delighted with our choice that he
insisted upon carrying it away immediately.

"Is it quite quiet?" I asked.

"Comme un oiseau," said the man.

We called a fiacre--paid for monsieur Jocko, and drove to Vincent's
apartments; there we found, however, that his valet had gone out and
taken the key.

"Hang it," said Vincent, "it does not signify! We'll carry le petit
monsieur with us to the Rocher."

Accordingly we all three once more entered the fiacre, and drove to
the celebrated restaurateur's of the Rue Mont Orgueil. O, blissful
recollections of that dinner! how at this moment you crowd upon my
delighted remembrance! Lonely and sorrowful as I now sit, digesting
with many a throe the iron thews of a British beef-steak--more
anglico--immeasurably tough--I see the grateful apparitions of
Escallopes de Saumon and Laitances de Carps rise in a gentle vapour
before my eyes! breathing a sweet and pleasant odour, and