Nowhere else shall we find so many Eoman and antiquarian
remains combined with much that is historically interesting
and beautiful in nature. Through all, the splendid river takes
its course, and the music of its waters is never far off. In
commonplace Lyons, given over to commerce, manufacture,
and all the prosy elements of modern life, we should still have
the river to remind us of the romantic spots through which it
flowed ; but here its music would be drowned by the clatter of
machinery and the rush of men going to and fro in their race
for wealth.
" After all," said H. C, quoting a wise if homely proverb,
" we cannot have our cake and eat it too. I really think this
late experience has been the most delightful and sunny of my
whole life. Even Majorca was only better than this in that it
lasted longer. It was not more full of delightful surprises and
perfect sensations."

Of course hq was under the influence of his early morning
vision, which had converted him from a possible misogynist to
a strong matrimonial maniac. He naturally saw everything
couleur de rose. It was a good thing our travels were over, for
he would have become a very dreamy and silent companion.
