In short, Madam, being as tired as one can be of one’s own country,—­I don’t say whether this is much or little,—­I find myself wonderfully disposed to like this.  Indeed I wish I could wash it.  Madame de Guerchy is all goodness to me; but that is not new.  I have already been prevented by great civilities from Madame de Brentheim and my old friend Madame de Mirepoix; but am not likely to see the latter much, who is grown a most particular favourite of the King, and seldom from him.  The Dauphin is ill, and thought in a very bad way.  I hope he will live, lest the theatres should be shut up.  Your ladyship knows I never trouble my head about royalties, farther than it affects my interest.  In truth, the way that princes affect my interest is not the common way.

I have not yet tapped the chapter of baubles, being desirous of making my revenues maintain me here as long as possible.  It will be time enough to return to my Parliament when I want money.

Mr. Hume, that is the Mode, asked much about your ladyship.  I have seen Madame de Monaco, and think her very handsome, and extremely pleasing.  The younger Madame d’Egmont, I hear, disputes the palm with her; and Madame de Brionne is not left without partisans.  The nymphs of the theatres are laides a faire peur, which at my age is a piece of luck, like going into a shop of curiosities, and finding nothing to tempt one to throw away one’s money.

There are several English here, whether I will or not.  I certainly did not come for them, and shall connect with them as little as possible.  The few I value, I hope sometimes to hear of.  Your ladyship guesses how far that wish extends.  Consider, too, Madam, that one of my unworthinesses is washed and done away, by the confession I made in the beginning of my letter.

IS MAKING NEW FRIENDS IN PARIS—­DECAY OF THE FRENCH STAGE—­LE KAIN—­DUMENIL—­NEW FRENCH INCLINATION FOR PHILOSOPHY AND FREE-THINKING—­GENERAL ADMIRATION OF HUME’S HISTORY AND RICHARDSON’S NOVELS.

TO GEORGE MONTAGU, ESQ.

PARIS, Sept. 22, 1765.

The concern I felt at not seeing you before I left England, might make me express myself warmly, but I assure you it was nothing but concern, nor was mixed with a grain of pouting.  I knew some of your reasons, and guessed others.  The latter grieve me heartily; but I advise you to do as I do:  when I meet with ingratitude, I take a short leave both of it and its host.  Formerly I used to look out for indemnification somewhere else; but having lived long enough to learn that the reparation generally proved a second evil of the same sort, I am content now to skin over such wounds with amusements, which at least leave no scars.  It is true, amusements do not always amuse when we bid them.  I find it so here; nothing strikes me; everything I do is indifferent to me.  I like the people very well, and their way of life very well; but as neither were my object, I should not much care if they were any other people, or it was any other way of life.  I am out of England, and my purpose is answered.