After a long and exhausting journey in a coach carrying twice as many passengers than the number for which it was designed, the adventurers arrive on the outskirts of Paris. The French metropolis cannot compare in size with London, that greatest of all cities, but it is unquestionably the Jewel of the Continent, before which all other inhabitations outside Britain pale. During the past few years great efforts have been made to improve the appearance of what was, if truth be told, an unattractive and chaotic place. Now there are great monuments to the genius of architecture to be seen everywhere; there are even some streets with sidewalks, a modern innovation which promises a degree of cleanliness not often seen in large congregations of humanity. Although it cannot be denied that, as with any great populace, there is evidence of extraordinary poverty and misery among the common folk, there is also much gaiety and splendor among those of a higher social class. It is well to remember that the hierarchy of Paris is stricter than that of London, as described by the noted man of letters Louis-Sebastien Mercier:
(Of course, one must recall that Monsieur Mercier is also the author of that fantastic work L'an 2440, in which he dares to imagine what the city might be like in futurity.)There are in Paris eight distinct classes; the princes and great nobles (these are the least numerous); the Nobles of the Robe; the financiers; the traders and merchants; the artists; the craftsmen; the manual workers; the servants; and the bas peuple.
In any event, the party is tired and in want of sustenance. Fortunately, they soon find one of the new establishments which, unlike the usual taverns, offer private tables and written descriptions of the fare available. Known as a restaurant, this innovative dining experience is sure to offer a welcome respite from the travails experienced by the adventurers. The evident high breeding of Doctor North, the sober appearance of Mister Witherly, and the beauty of the ladies is enough to win entrance to the restaurant, despite the somewhat road-worn appearance of the party.