78 THE SPORTSMAN IN FRANCE. 



gallantry to the fair sex, as well as the 

 sense we entertained of their amiability, 

 affability, et omne quod exit in-ility. 



A divan was consequently held in my 

 private room, when it was decided that 



Captain P , Mr. W , and myself, 



should give the dear creatures a ball, 

 provided the theatre could be hired for a 

 moderate sum. I was deputed to wait 

 upon the mayor, who we were convinced 

 would kindly undertake to negociate the 

 affair, without letting the proprietor know 

 for whom the building was required. 

 This precaution was adopted at my sug- 

 gestion; for, in spite of the high favour in 

 which we stood with all the inhabitants, 

 I knew, from experience, that our conti- 

 nental neighbours will make us English- 

 men pay through the nose whenever they 

 can. 



Our kind friend, Monsieur le Maire, 

 made the bargain as for himself, and the 



