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.