the centre of the piece, acquiring most intensity at the extremes. I may
be said, myself, to have belonged to the centre gauche, that being my
accidental position in the fabric, when it was a natural consequence to
obtain sentiments of this shade. It will be seen, in the end, how
prominent were these early impressions, and how far it is worth while
for mere pocket-handkerchiefs to throw away their time, and permit
their feelings to become excited concerning interests that they are
certainly not destined to control, and about which, under the most
favorable circumstances, they seldom obtain other than very
questionable information.

{centre gauche = center left, i.e., moderate left}

It followed from this state of feeling, that the notion we were about to
fall into the hands of the unfortunate daughter of Louis XVI excited
considerable commotion and disgust among us. Though very moderate
in my political antipathies and predilections, I confess to some
excitement in my own case, declaring that if royalty WAS to be my lot,
I would prefer not to ascend any higher on the scale than to become the
property of that excellent princess, Amelie, who then presided in the
Palais Royal, the daughter and sister of a king, but with as little
prospects as desires of becoming a queen in her own person. This wish
of mine was treated as groveling, and even worse than republican, by
the cote droit of our piece, while the cote gauche sneered at it as
manifesting a sneaking regard for station without the spirit to avow it.
Both were mistaken, however; no unworthy sentiments entering into my
decision. Accident had made me acquainted with the virtues of this
estimable woman, and I felt assured that she would treat even a pocket-
handkerchief kindly. This early opinion has been confirmed by her
deportment under very trying and unexpected events. I wish, as I