“The politicians hold daily meetings where they discuss opposing views. Young ladies put on a different dress every day to attract admirers. When one of them has a number of men around her, she encourages them all until she finally comes to a decision in favor of one of them. On several occasions I took part in these manoeuvers as a confidant, and it was quite amusing, I assure you. The young ladies give their handkerchiefs, their gloves, even their slippers, but that doesn’t mean a thing. The married women are less extravagant, although they make exceptions in the case of a few persons. According to my calculation, I have a pretty collection of pocket handkerchiefs, for I never ask for anything else.”