BARON CUVIER. ^99 



to be pitied than blamed, for they know not 

 what they do." No one knew better how to 

 soften a refusal ; and, whatever might be his 

 reasons, he took care that his opinions should 

 not wound the feelings of any applicant for his 

 favours. During one of my visits to his house, 

 a gentleman, anxious to obtain the vote of M. 

 Cuvier, as serviceable in procuring a public em- 

 ployment, applied to me to intercede with my 

 noble host. I felt that I had no right to do so, 

 and mentioned my dilemma to Madame Cuvier, 

 at the same time expressing my vexation, that such 

 advantage should havebeen taken of myintimacy. 

 This being repeated to M. Cuvier, he laughed 

 at the scruples which had withheld me from con- 

 versing with himself on the subject, and then 

 desired me to reply to the applicant, that he 

 never suffered the ladies of his family to interfere 

 in such matters. When I left the room in 

 order to do this, he called me back, as if a sud- 

 den thought had struck him ; and he added, — 

 " Tell your friend, if he wishes to see me, or 

 ask my advice, I shall be happy to receive him 



at ;" evidently wishing to save me from 



the pain of an abrupt refusal to one whom I 

 mi2:ht esteem. 



The soirees of Baron Cuvier, which took 



