nature's vinaigrette 25 



bunch of hairs, from twenty-five to thirty in number, which 

 gives forth to the despairing and almost vanquished beast 

 the refreshing and stimulating odour of violets. And with 

 this choice vinaigrette of Nature's furnishing the hunted 

 creature is sustained.' 



Then this simple fact may explain why the hunters return 

 in such unsatisfied humour ? 



'Ah, I have laughed to hear them making the air blue 

 with vengeful threats against the sly old fellow never yet run 

 to earth, and who again and again has outwitted them.' 



But does not the fact help the hounds also ? 



'Doubtless the hounds, with their keen scent, follow 

 with delight this delicious perfume, and find it an added 

 incentive to their murderous designs.' 



Madame de Stael's idea of the sense of smell may have 

 been founded on some such knowledge, and she may have 

 had a long nose as well as a large foot. 



' How so, madam ? ' 



You have heard of Talleyrand's retort at the masked ball 

 when she challenged him for recognition : ' C est bien facile 

 de reconnaitre la statice par le pied de Stael.' ' 



'Ah, I remember, but it was a cruel thrust of Talley- 

 rand's.' 



1 It is very easy to recognise the statue by the (pedestal) foot of 

 Stael. 



