300 MEMOIRS OF 



place every Saturday evening, and were some- 

 times preceded by a party, were the most bril- 

 liant and the most interesting in Paris. There, 

 passed in review, the learned, the talented, of 

 every nation, of every age, and of each sex ; all 

 systems, all opinions, were received; the more 

 numerous the circle, the more delighted was the 

 master of the house to mingle in it, encouraging, 

 amusing, welcoming every body, paying the ut- 

 most respect to those really worthy of distinc- 

 tion, drawing forth the young and bashful, and 

 striving to make all appreciated according to their 

 deserts. Nothing was banished from this circle 

 but envy, jealousy, and scandal ; and this saloon 

 might be compared to all Europe ; and not till 

 the guest had repassed the Rue de Tournon, or 

 " the Seine, could he again fancy himself in the 

 capricious capital of fashion, or time-serving 

 show." It was at once to see intellect in all its 

 splendour ; and the stranger was astonished to 

 find himself conversing, without restraint, without 

 ceremony, with, or in presence of, the leading 

 stars of Europe : princes, peers, diplomatists, 

 savants, and the great host himself, now receiving 

 these, and now the young students from the fifth 

 pair of stairs in a neighbouring hotel, with equal 

 urbanity. No matter to him in which way 



