The story of the Cockaynes was written some years ago,βin the days when Paris was at her best and brightest; and the English quarter was crowded; and the Emperor was at St. Cloud; and France appeared destined to become the wealthiest and strongest country in the world.
Where the Cockaynes carried their guide-books and opera-glasses, and fell into raptures at every footstep, there are dismal ruins now. The Hall of the Marshals is a black hole. Those noble rooms in which the first magistrate of the city of Boulevards gave welcome to crowds of English guests, are destroyed. In the name of Liberty some of the most precious art-work of modern days has been fired. Auber and Dumas have gone from the scene in the saddest hour of their country's history.
The Anglo-French allianceβthat surest rock of enduring peaceβhas been rent asunder, through the timorous hesitation of English ministers, and the hardly disguised Bourbon sympathies of English society.
We are not welcome now in Paris, as we were when I followed in the wake of the prying Cockaynes. My old concierge is very cold in his greeting, and carries my valise to my rooms sulkily. Good Monsieur Giraudet, who could suggest the happiest little menus , when I went to his admirable restaurant, and who kept the Rappel for me, now bows silently and sends an underling to see what the Englishman requires. It is a sad, and a woful change; and one of ominous import for our children.
Most woful to those of my countrymen who, like the reader's humble servant, have passed a happy half-score of years in the delightful society and the incomparable capital of the French people. Blanchard Jerrold.
