Mesdames, cf. page 29, note

Page 43. — I. On dirait d'une cour, on dirait with a direct

object is more usual, but Taine favors the redundant de. Cf. pages 50, note 5, and 70, note 4.

Page 44. — 1. La Bruyère (1645-96) author of the Caractères, a volume of satirical studies of iyth century society, of which it offers a complète picture in the form of gênerai reflections studded with humoristic personal portraits, often after real models. The ideas are acuterather than profound, and hâve a pervading tinge of bitterness. They are expressed in an exceedingly individual style, a trifle oracular, but sparkling with epigram, f ull of color, and often boldly realistic, — the style of a genuine literary artist.

Page 45. — 1. tout ce qui vaquera, every post that becomes vacant.