I now found myself happily situated in the house of Colonel du B., with whom I proposed to remain until the approach of spring might invite me to pursue my tour, and with the expectation in the interim of improving my health and acquiring a knowledge of the French language.
Our domestic circle consisted of Colonel and Madame du B., their two sons and daughters, along with the father of Madame du B.
But perhaps the most interesting feature of the family group was Madame du B.’s sister, Mademoiselle la Sœur. This lady, somewhat advanced beyond the noontide of life, was a diminutive woman with one eye, who was largely attached to the charms of tabac, which contributed to give her voice a peculiar nasal tone. But in addition to this penchant for snuff, she enjoyed also the pleasures of the table and was fond of high-seasoned dishes, onions, garlic and wine. Her conversation was of the merry kind, and she was fond of whispering into one’s private ear. With these talents, she seemed wonderfully adapted for sociality, and she cultivated a large circle of acquaintances in the town, making it a rule to return with a whole budget full of news for our amusement.
extract from The Narrative of a Journey through France, &c. (London, 1822) by James Holman FRS, pp.36-38, edited and read by Joe Rizzo Naudi.
What a fascinating character description!
Holman has the knack