This account is already of such a length, that I shall make no apology for abruptly concluding it.
I am, &c.
POSTSCRIPT.
Returning home to day, at half past four o’clock, from viewing some of the sights, (which I have mentioned in my letter), we found a messenger waiting with a note from the Thuilleries. It proved to be an invitation to Mrs. ⸺, from the first consul, asking her to dinner the same day at five. She dressed as quickly as possible, and drove to the palace. She is just returned; and from her statement, I send you the following short account.
The entertainment was extremely elegant, and the sight very striking. More than two hundred persons sat down to table in a splendid apartment. The company consisted, besides the family of Bonaparte, of the ministers, the ambassadors, several generals, senators, counsellors of state, and other constituted authorities. The number of women present was by no means in proportion to that of the men, and did not exceed fifteen. All the english ladies, who had been presented to madame Bonaparte, were invited (though not their husbands) to this entertainment; but it happened, that only two remained at Paris.
The dinner was served entirely on plate and Sèvre china, the latter bearing the letter B on every dish, and every plate; and the plateau was covered with moss, out of which arose innumerable natural flowers, the odour of which perfumed the whole room.
The first consul and madame Bonaparte conducted themselves with much ease, and spoke very affably to those around them.
The servants were numerous, splendidly dressed, and highly attentive. The dinner lasted more than two hours.