MY LONDON DÉBUT
Our ridiculous preparations for departure—“La Quenelle,” who
adored me, and his life-preserver—A carpet of flowers—We find
the Prince of Wales has departed—My welcome and the
journalists—Visitors—Hortense Damian and her “_Chic_
commandments”—My shortcomings as a recipient of
kindnesses—London hospitality—Rotten Row and the Avenue des
Acacias—My first experience as a _traqueuse_—Trying my
voice—My fright—My début—What the critics thought of me 308–321