CHAPTER XLII.
Francis Ardry--That Won't do, Sir--Observe My Gestures--I Think You Improve--Better than Politics--Delightful Young Frenchwoman--A Burning Shame--Magnificent Impudence--Paunch--Voltaire--Lump of Sugar.
Occasionally I called on Francis Ardry.

This young gentleman resided in handsome apartments in the neighbourhood of a fashionable square, kept a livery servant, and, upon the whole, lived in very good style.

Going to see him one day, between one and two, I was informed by the servant that his master was engaged for the moment, but that, if I pleased to wait a few minutes, I should find him at liberty.

Having told the man that I had no objection, he conducted me into a small apartment which served as antechamber to a drawing-room; the door of this last being half open, I could see Francis Ardry at the farther end, speechifying and gesticulating in a very impressive manner.

The servant, in some confusion, was hastening to close the door; but, ere he could effect his purpose, Francis Ardry, who had caught a glimpse of me, exclaimed, "Come in--come in by all means;" and then proceeded, as before, speechifying and gesticulating.