cheek, or conceal a blush or a smile, but the usitatissimum had been left
behind us in the fields. The fiacre stopped at the door of a celebrated
perfumer, and the commissionaire, deeming us of too much value to be
left on a carriage seat, took us in her hand while she negotiated a small
affair with its mistress. This was our introduction to the pleasant
association of sweet odors, of which it was to be our fortune to enjoy in
future the most delicate and judicious communion. We knew very well
that things of this sort were considered vulgar, unless of the purest
quality and used with the tact of good society; but still it was permitted
to sprinkle a very little lavender, or exquisite eau de cologne, on a
pocket-handkerchief. The odor of these two scents, therefore,
appeared quite natural to us, and as Madame Savon never allowed any
perfume, or articles (as these things are technically termed), of inferior
quality to pollute her shop, we had no scruples about inhaling the
delightful fragrance that breathed in the place. Desiree, the
commissionaire, could not depart without permitting her friend,
Madame Savon, to feast her eyes on the treasure in her own hands. The
handkerchiefs were unfolded, amidst a hundred dieux! ciels! and
dames! Our fineness and beauty were extolled in a manner that was
perfectly gratifying to the self-esteem of the whole family. Madame
Savon imagined that even her perfumes would be more fragrant in such
company, and she insisted on letting one drop--a single drop--of her
eau de cologne fall on the beautiful texture. I was the happy
handkerchief that was thus favored, and long did I riot in that delightful
odor, which was just strong enough to fill the air with sensations, rather
than impressions of all that is sweet and womanly in the female
wardrobe.

{usitatissimum had been left behind = the species name of linen means
"most useful"; Madame Savon = literally, Mrs. Soap; articles = short for