The Court of the Tuileries; From the Restoration to the Flight of Louis Philippe

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1884 Excerpt: ...for his daughter. But, being afterwards induced to publish this collection of tales, it obtained immense popularity, and was followed by many works of similar character. It is doubtful whether they have been equalled, either in the interest of the stories or the great charm of the style in which they are narrated, by any works of the kind which may have succeeded them--surpassed they hardly can have been. The royal children were scarcely five and four years of age when the Duchesse de Berry, conversing with her first lady-of-honour--the Duchesse de Reggio--expressed a wish to become acquainted with the author of 'Contes a ma fille.' M. Bouilly being known to Madame de Reggio, she was desired to inform him that the Duchesse de Berry had read his works, that she admired them, and greatly wished to know their author. She had also a particular request to make to him. Of course he was much flattered, and ex 1 208 M. BOUILLY PRESENTED TO MADAME. pressed himself deeply sensible of the honour done him. A letter of admission was forwarded to him for the Duchesse de Berry's reception after mass on the following Sunday, and the Duchesse de Reggio was to present him. Punctual to the moment he made his appearance at the Tuileries. The duchess, accompanied by many ladies and gentlemen of distinction, was returning from the chapel, and a brilliant circle waited her arrival in the salons. All were in full Court dress, or uniform--M. Bouilly being conspicuous, as he says, amidst this gay throng by his plain black, coat, unadorned by cross or mark of distinction of any kind. As soon as his name was announced, Madame de Reggio advanced and led him to the duchess. Gazing fixedly at him, she said, with what M. Bouilly, who was trh galant, describes as an enchanting smile, ' Whe...