i88 A Century of Family Letters [CHAP, xiv 



sion, but I think he plays with so much expression himself 

 that it is as if he was mad. . . . 



The Prince [of Denmark] gives a ball on the 18th at his 

 house in the country to which we are to go, and we are to 

 go to the Redoute this day (Saturday) week. These are 

 our only balls at present. I have made great progress 

 in hair-dressing, and I make both our heads look very 

 dashing. 



Sismondi and we get on very well together, and we 

 talk very well and listen very tolerably. He is more 

 affectionate than ever, w r hich I am very grateful for. I am 

 afraid he will never leave off kissing our hands. I was in 

 hopes he would after we had been here sometime, but 

 he is more constant than ever. I am sorry Tony is become 

 so fat, I do not know what he will do without me to whip 

 him and starve him. 



Sunday. Yesterday we went to Mme Pictet Menet's 

 and had a very comfortable evening, which finished by 

 dancing, to my great joy, for I had the fidgets of wanting 

 to dance ever since the ball at the Theatre. I get on in 

 waltzing very well. 



Is the school as full as it was when we left home ? You 

 must tell us everything in the world that you have been 

 doing, and all about that charming place, Maer. One feels 

 interest about the most insignificant things from being 

 such an immense way off. Mme Beaumont and Edward 

 sung last night, but I assure you nobody sings as well as 

 you and Charlotte. We are going to have a comfortable 

 evening at home to-night without Sismondi. You must 

 not think me wicked for putting that. I like him much 

 better than I did. 



I heard that Aunt Sarah has not got into her new house 

 yet. Will you give her my best love ? 



Her words about the expressive playing of her master 

 "as if he was mad " are delightfully characteristic. She 

 always kept the same horror of any exaggeration of 

 feeling. 



