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"Now, dear Victor, I dare say you wish to be indulged in a little

gossip concerning the good people of Geneva. The pretty Miss

Mansfield has already received the congratulatory visits on her

approaching marriage with a young Englishman, John Melbourne,

Esq. Her ugly sister, Manon, married M. Duvillard, the rich

banker, last autumn. Your favourite schoolfellow, Louis Manoir,

has suffered several misfortunes since the departure of Clerval

from Geneva. But he has already recovered his spirits, and is

reported to be on the point of marrying a lively pretty

Frenchwoman, Madame Tavernier. She is a widow, and much older

than Manoir; but she is very much admired, and a favourite with

everybody.