French and Americans s'entendent without difficulty, and hence they make the best neighbors around the snowy damask.

At about nine o'clock the general reception began. A heavy rain had been falling all the afternoon and evening, the meteoric visitation being a remnant of the storm which had been previously predicted. It of course had no deterrent effect on the invited, although it gave a dreariness to the streets without, which, out of the selfishness of human nature, imparted an additional air of warmth to the spacious and splendid apartments of General Noyes. It was not long before the salons were filled with guests. Out in the rain a long line of carriages extended far up the Avenue Josephine toward the Arc de Triomphe. The police arrangements were, as usual in Paris, and above all where the Prefect dines and the Marshal-President visits, perfect. The guests were received by General Grant, Mrs. Grant and their son, General and Mrs. Noyes, Consul General Torbert and Secretary Vignaux making the introductions.

Mrs. Grant was dressed in a costume of heavy white satin, Mrs. Noyes appearing in a similar dress. General Grant and Minister Noyes wore plain evening dress, General Torbert, however, appearing in the uniform of a major general. The rooms as the guests arrived became perfect gardens of lively colors. Brilliant uniforms, diplomatic orders and decorations mingling with the sheen of silks and satins made up a wonderful picture.

Marshal McMahon arrived early. He wore a plain evening dress with the ribbon of the Legion and a breast covered with orders. He seemed in excellent health and spirits, not showing the slightest trace of the long parliamentary struggle he has been engaged in.

The Marshal stood for nearly an hour beside General

Grant, occasionally joining in the conversation and receiving the congratulations of the members of the diplomatic corps and the numerous brilliantly uniformed officials who thronged the apartments. As the two renowned soldiers stood side by side, one could not help contrasting them. Marshal McMahon's ruddy, honest Celtic face, white mustache and white hair recalled the poet's figure of "a rose in snow." Grant, calm, massive and reserved, wore the same imperturbable face so well-known at home. McMahon seemed all nerve and restlessness; Grant looked all patience and repose. The contrast in person was indeed remarkable, although each had come to the Presidency of a powerful republic over the same red road. The passion of arms commanding two great nations, had led each to choose its foremost soldier as Executive head. One has laid down his power at the feet of the people who conferred it. There is scarcely a doubt that the other will do the same when the appointed day arrives. Meantime two great warlike careers touched in friendship in the parlors of General Noyes.

The reception drew together the largest assembly of the American colony known in years, and they compared favorably with the many European nations represented there.

The refreshment tables were exquisitely arranged and well patronized, which is just the manner in which such a host as General Noyes would desire to have his sumptuous hospitality appreciated.

The acerbity of French politics at that time was shown by the fact that, although general invitations were given in the columns of the newspapers and no cards were issued, not one of the leading members of the republican party or press was present. This was owing to the fact of the promised presence of the Cabinet being known.

On the next day he visited the Palais d'Industrie and the works where the magnificent statue of "Liberty" for for the New York harbor is being constructed. He was received there by the Marquis de Rochambeau, the Marquis de Lafayette, M. Laboulaye, and other friends of America. The sculptor, M. Bartholdi, presented him with a miniature model of the statue. The General several times expressed his satisfaction for the work. In the evening he attended the opera, where he was well received by the audience, and treated with great respect by the officials.

Oh Thursday, November 1st, President McMahon gave a grand dinner to General Grant at the Elysée. Among the distinguished personages present were the Dukes de Broglie and Decazes, General Berthaut, Viscount de Meaux, MM. Fourtou, Caillaux and Brunet, and Admiral Gicquel des Touches, all members of the Cabinet, some of them with their ladies; the Marquis d'Alzac, M. Mollard, and members of the Marshal's military household; Mrs. Grant, Mr. Noyes, the American Minister, and lady; Consul-General Torbert and lady, and Mrs. Sickles. General Grant sat on the right of Mme. McMahon, and the Duke de Broglie on her left. Mrs. Grant sat on the right of President McMahon, and Mr. Noyes was seated between Mrs. Sickles and Mrs. Torbert. The banquet was a very brilliant and animated affair. It began at half-past seven and terminated at nine o'clock. After dinner, General Grant and President McMahon had a long conversation in the smoking-room, M. Vignaud, of the American Legation, acting as interpreter. The Marshal invited General Grant to breakfast with him as a friend, and also to witness some of the sittings of the Senate and Chamber of Deputies. The General accepted the invitation, and expressed himself highly pleased with the reception.