It is worthy of notice how often husband and wife
went to Boulogne together during their married life. It seemed as
though the place was endeared to them by the recollection that it was
here that they had first come together. From Boulogne they went to
Switzerland, where they passed Christmas. When they were at Montreux
they celebrated their wedding day (January 22), and the people in the
hotel overwhelmed them with presents and flowers and pretty speeches.
Lady Burton says, "I got quite choky, and Richard ran away and locked
himself up." A rather ludicrous incident occurred here. They were
expecting a visit from the famous Elisee Reclus. Lady Burton prepared
herself to receive him with honour, and she had beforehand been warned
of his little peculiarities. Suddenly the door was thrown open, and
some one was announced whose name she did not catch. She greeted the
new-comer with effusion, saying, "Dear Monsieur Reclus, I am so
delighted to make your acquaintance; such a pleasure to know such
a distinguished man." Her greeting was acknowledged with equal
effusion by her visitor, who then proceeded to pull a key out of his
pocket, and went up to the clock. Lady Burton was somewhat surprised,
but she put it down to a great man's peculiarity; so she went on talking
to him, and explaining the pleasure which it would give Sir Richard to
make his acquaintance, when the door was opened again,and the servant
announced, "Monsieur Reclus.
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