The Daily Herald

Gaiety of the French.—Shortly after the tragical death of Marie Antoinette, M. Perigord, an emigrant of some consequence, who had made Mr. Pitt's acquaintance at Versailles, took refuge in England, and on coming to London, went to pay his respects in Downing street.

The conversation naturally turned upon the horrid scenes of the French revolution, on their fatal consequences to social order, and in particular on the barbarity with which the unfortunate Queen had been treated. The Frenchman's feelings were quite overcome, and he exclaimed, amidst violent sobbing, "Ah, Monsieur Pitt, la pauvre Reine! la pauvre Reine!"

These words had scarcely been uttered when he jumped up as if a new idea suddenly possessed him, and, looking towards a little dog which came with him, he exclaimed, "Cependant, Monsieur Pitt, il faut voyez mon petit chien danser." Then, pulling a small kit out of his pocket, he began dancing about the room to the sound of his little instrument, and calling to the dog, "Fanchon, Fanchon! dansez, dansez!" the little animal instantly obeyed, and they cut such capers together that the minister's gravity was quite overcome, and he burst into a loud laugh, hardly knowing whether he was most amused or astonished.—Life of Wilberforce.