The history of this day must be written. Let us essay to do it as it
should be done. In the early morning twelve selected maidens, robed in
muslin and lilies, sang the _Tocsin de la Patrie_ outside the Palace
where our guest reposed. Soon afterwards he himself appeared in
flowing white garments, and showered blessings upon their heads. He
descended. He entered the four-in-hand-teams which the _Maire_ had,
as a compliment to England, made up with a _char-a-banc_ of the
neighbourhood. Thus he was drawn to the Market Place, where some of
our bravest veterans fired in his honour a thundering salute. The
beautiful and admirable Madame CARAMEL then advanced to him with a
wreath of roses in her hand. She crowned him with it, saying, 'Wear
this for Blancheville. Nobly hast thou earned it.' With difficulty the
illustrious author preserved his calm. A tear sparkled in his eye. He
bent low, and in a voice choked with emotion, thanked the citizens of
our town. Then mounting on a milk-white steed, and surrounded by the
young men of the district, he received from the _Prefet_ the Prix
Montyon for virtue."
The rest is too flattering. I am hastening home. The QUEEN has been
graciously pleased to permit me to wear the Prix Montyon at Court. Can
a man want more? Yours, in all humility,
LE ROSIER DE BLANCHEVILLE.
* * * * *
A PUFF AT WHITEHALL.
_(A piece of extravagance faintly suggestive of a Scene from "The
Critic.
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