172 Life of Audubon, 



better answer the interrogation, than by the reports of 

 the presidents of these institutions on my work. By par- 

 ticular invitation of the Baron, I was at the Institute at 

 half-past one, and no Baron there. I sat opposite the 

 clock, and counted the minutes one after another ; but 

 the clock, insensible to my impatience, moved regularly, 

 and ticked its time just as if Audubon had never existed. 

 I undertook to count the numerous volumes which filled 

 the compartments of the library, but my eye became be ■ 

 wildered, and as it reached the distant centre of the hall, 

 rested on the figure of Voltaire ! Poor Voltaire ! had 

 he not his own share of troubles ? how was he treated ? 

 Savants like shadows passed before me, nodded, and 

 proceeded to their seats, and resting their heads on their 

 hands, looked for more knowledge in different memoirs. 

 I, Lucy, began journeying to America, sailed up its riv- 

 ers, across its lakes, along its coasts, and up the Missis- 

 sippi, until I reached Bayou Sara, and leaping on shore, 

 and traversing the magnolia forests, bounded towards 

 thee, my dearest friend, — when the clock struck, and sud- 

 denly called me to myself in the Royal Institute, patient- 

 ly waiting for the Baron. 



" The number of savants increased, and my watch and 

 the clock told that the day was waning. I took a book 

 and read, but it went into my mind and left no impres- 

 sion. The savants increased more and more, and by-and- 

 by among them my quick eye discerns the Baron. I had 

 been asked fifty times if I were waiting for him, and had 

 been advised to go to his house ; but I sat and watched 

 like a sentinel at his post. I heard his voice and his 

 footstep, and at last saw him, warm, apparently fatigued, 

 and yet extremely kindly, coming towards me, with a 

 * My dear sir, I am sorry to know that you have waited so 

 long here ; I was in my cabinet; come with me.' During 

 all this talk, to which I bowed, and followed him, his hand 



