Sabbath evening church in France is generally a ball, which startled me a little at first; but it is astonishing how naturally we fall into the tastes and customs of people with whom we are for the time associated. I was miserable at first about it, and very much conscience-stricken at this innovation upon my usual American habits; but finally, I regret to say, I became as French as the rest of them, and dancing on the Sabbath evening, after the day had been spent in strict observance of religious duty, no longer offended my notions of propriety. But the older I grow, and the more I see the necessity of devoting one entire day in the seven to theservice of God, the more I wonder that I could ever have been so misguided.
Day after day my little charge and I wandered up and down the Champs Elysees and in the Tuilleries gardens, admiring French sights and delighted with foreign objects. The shop windows upon the Boulevards often claimed our attention, and hour after hour, upon our return home, would we rehearse the events of our promenades.
Our visit to the hospitable home of General Cass having expired, my lady and gentleman took private apartments, where we remained a short time, acquiring every day more knowledge of the French language, and becoming hourly more accustomed to French observances; but at length Mr. ———, wishing to have all in fitting style upon the arrival of his appointment, took a private house, and set up his carriage, horses and servants in livery. The carriage my little responsibility and myself usually had the advantage of while my lady was making her toilette for visiting or the promenade, and everything went on
