< Page:Maria Edgeworth (Zimmern 1883).djvu
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MARIA EDGEWORTH.

near-sighted, with spectacles which seemed to pinch his nose. He pokes out his chin tn keep his spectacles on, and yet looks over the top of his spectacles, squinching up his eyes, so that yon cannot see your way into his mind. Then he speaks through his nose and with a lisp, strangely contrasting with the vehemence of his emphasis. He does not give me any confidence in the sincerity of his patriotism, nor any high idea of his talents, though he seems to have a mighty high idea of them himself. He has been well called, Le Héros des Brochures. We at beside one another, and I think felt a mutual antipathy. On the other side of me was Boyer Collard, suffering with toothache and swelled face; but notwithstanding the distortion of the swelling, the natural expression of his countenance and the strength and sincerity of his soul made their way. and the frankness of his character and plain superiority of his talent- were manifest in live minutes' conversation.

In June Miss Edgeworth and her sisters left Paris for a tour in Switzerland, visiting their friends the Moilliets, who lived at Pregny, near Geneva. Their house, which had formerly belonged to Josephine, commanded a superb view of the lake and of Mont Blanc. It was a surprise to Miss Edgeworth to find how much she was impressed with the beauty of the scenery about her.

I did not conceive it possible that I should feel so much pleasure from the beauties of nature as I have done since I came to this country. The first moment when I saw Mont Blanc will remain an era in my life—a new idea, a new feeling, standing alone in the mind.

Geneva was at that time enjoying what has been termed its Augustan age. An unusual number of distinguished persons resided there, and it was besides largely resorted to by eminent men and women from all lands, most of whom Miss Edgeworth met at the house of her host. Besides, Monsieur Pictet and Monsieur Dumont, these old, faithful friends, were also domiciled at Geneva, and strove to do the honours of the place. Among temporary residents were such men and women as Dr. and Mrs Marcet, Arago, De Candolle, the botanist, Freiherr von Stein, Madame

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