[57] The diminutive of "cave" (cellar). Really a gathering of poets and songwriters, which reached its highest reputation in Paris during the early part of the present century. The Saturday nights at the Savage Club are perhaps the nearest approach to it in London.—Editor.
[58] The term for the French bench, consisting of judges; the parquet, i. e. those to whom the public prosecution is confided, are called "la magistrature debout." As a rule, the latter have a great deal more talent than the former. "What are you going to do with your son?" asked a gentleman of his friend. "I am going to make a magistrate of him—'debout,' if he is strong enough to keep on his legs; 'assis,' if he be not."—Editor.
[59] The author alludes to the Madame Cardinal of Ludovic Halévy, who sequestrates her daughter because the baron, her would-be protector, is hanging back with the settlements.—Editor.
[60] Dupin's feet were enormous, and, furthermore, invariably shod in thick, hobnailed bluchers. He himself was always jestingly alluding to them; and one day, on the occasion of a funeral of a friend, which he could not possibly attend, he suggested sending his boots instead. "People send their empty conveyance: I'll send mine," he said.—Editor.
[61] Mérimée, the author of "Carmen," who knew something of Spanish women, and of the female members of the Montijo family in particular, said that God had given them the choice between love and wit, and that they had chosen the former.—Editor.
[62] The lampion was the three-cornered hat, cocked on all sides alike in the shape of a spout, and stiffened with wire.—Editor.
[63] "Wearing the king's button" is a very old French sporting term, signifying permission to wear the dress or the buttons or both, similar to those of the monarch when following the hounds.—Editor.
[64] Known on the English stage as the "Queen's Shilling," by Mr. Godfrey.—Editor.
[65] The Sainte-Eugénie, according to the Church Calendar. In France, it is not the birthday, but the day of the patron-saint whose name one bears, which is celebrated.—Editor.
[66] "D'Hozier," the French "Burke," so named after its founder, Pierre D'Hozier, the creator of the science of French genealogy.—Editor.