CHAPTER XV.
Consequences of the Revolution in France—Corruption of the
Regency—Sarcastic Verses of St.-Evremond—Reign of Louis the
Fifteenth—Lessons taught by Affliction—Dangers of Anarchy—The Haute
Noblesse previously to the Revolution—Want of Affection between
Parents and Children—Superficial Judgments erroneous—Power of
Fashion—The Novel of Devereux—Infrequency of Elopements in
France—Les Dames de B—— —Their Attachment to each other—Old
Maids—Servitude in England and France contrasted—French Masters and
Mistresses—Treatment of Servants—Avoidance of Politics—French
Discontent—Charles the Tenth—National Prosperity—The Duchesse de
Guiche and her two Sons—Position of the Duc de Guiche, 171.