204 AN EXTRAORDINARY DELUSION 



he had become completely Anglicised, both in speech and 

 appearance — a most extraordinary delusion on his part. 

 He had left his native land on the outbreak of the revolu- 

 tion, and had never ventured to set his foot there again 

 until after the battle of Waterloo, and restoration of the 

 Bourbons. Even then, doubting the reception he might 

 meet with after so long an absence, he resolved to pass 

 himself off as a veritable John Bull ; with what chance of 

 success will appear hereafter. 



Above all the characters in the world, he thought it 

 would suit him best to assume that of an Enghsh Fox- 

 hunter, and therefore decked himself out in a suit of the 

 following description : — A low-crowned hat with broad 

 brim, large red cravat, buff waistcoat, short-tailed, cut- 

 away green coat, with large sporting buttons ; short 

 inexpressibles of white corduroy, and a pair of mahogany- 

 topped boots. Thus equipped, he reminded one of 

 the " monkey who had seen the world," and evidently 

 appeared as much at home as, it is said, a hog does in 

 armour, although I should question any of the porcine 

 race being induced to try such an experiment even 

 vi et armis. 



That his name might tally with his costume, he assumed 

 that of Harry Lee, and thus armed, as he thought, at all 

 points, set off on his journey, and arrived safely at Calais, 

 with an English friend. Had Mossu followed his com- 

 panion's advice, and resolutely held his tongue, all might 

 have gone well ; but one of the custom-house officers, 

 making rather free with his luggage, his ire was excited, 

 and being questioned in turn as to his name, he drew 

 himself up in a haughty manner, exclaiming, " I am Harry 

 Lee, von English jontilman.'' This was too much for 

 even the politeness of a Frenchman, and bursting into a 



