Volume VI Part 35 (2/2)
Nowhere is there better fare than at Montpellier 'Tis a veritable land of Cocagne!
The next day I breakfasted at the cafe (an institution peculiar to France, the only country where the science of living is really understood), and addressed the first gentleer and that I would like to know some of the professors He immediately offered to take reat reputation
Herein ood qualities of the French, who rank above other nations by so ; he receives the best of hospitality, not iven with that easy grace which so soon sets a stranger at his ease
My new friend introduced me to the professor, who received me with all the polished courtesy of the French man of letters He that loves letters should love all other lovers of letters, and in France that is the case, even more so than Italy In Germany the literary man has an air ofto all the world that he at all events is a h every ed by such a manner as this
At the time of my visit there was an excellent company of actors at Montpellier, who myself in the blessed air of France after all the annoyances I had gone through in Spain I seeain; but I was altered, for several beautiful and clever actresses appeared on the stage without arousing any desires within me; and I would have it so
I had a lively desire to find Madame Castelbajac, not with any wish to renew ratulate her on her i her by asking for her in the town
I knew that her husband was an apothecary, so I resolved to make the acquaintance of all the apothecaries in the place I pretended to be in want of sos, and entered into conversation about the differences between the trade in France and in foreign countries If I spoke to the er who had visited the countries where she had been, and that that would make her curious to know me If, on the other hand, I spoke to the man, I kneould soon tell me all he knew about his eto her husband in his shop She begged ain at a certain time, and to tell her husband that I had known her under the na, and Vienna, as a seller of lace She ended her note with these words:
”I have no doubt that my husband will finally introduce you to oodlace seller of the name of Mdlle Blasin, of Montpellier
”Yes, I rehtful andwoman; but I did not know she came from Montpellier She was very pretty and very sensible, and I expect she did a good business I have seen her in several European cities, and the last tiht service to her Her admirable behaviour won her the esteeland I met her at the house of a duchess”
”Do you think you would recognize her if you saw her again?”
”By Jove! I should think so! But is she at Montpellier? If so, tell her that the Chevalier de Seingalt is here”
”Sir, you shall speak to her yourself, if you will do me the honour to follow me”
My heart leapt, but I restrained h the shop, cli a door on the first floor, said to me,--
”There she is”
”What, hted to see you”
”This is not a young lady, sir, 'tis my dear wife; but I hope that will not hinder you fro her”
”I have never had such an honour; but I will avail ot ratulate both of you, and wish you all health and happiness Tell me, did you have a pleasant journey from Vienna to Lyons?”
Madanate her) answered ood an actor as she was an actress
We were very glad to see each other again, but the apothecary was delighted at the great respect hich I treated his wife
For a whole hour we carried on a conversation of a perfectly iinary character, and with all the siht of spending the carnival at Montpellier, and see on the next day
Her husband hastened to say that that was quite out of the question