Germany under Bismarck had encouraged the numerous French colonial schemes, as a way of keeping her busy abroad and of diverting her thoughts from Alsace-Lorraine.
"A History of the Third French Republic"
C. H. C. Wright
"I realize," said Gustave, "that I came at a very inopportune moment, and interrupted mademoiselle in her preparations for that festivity, diverting her thoughts to a poor traveller who desired to carry away with him a friendly word or two.
"Monsieur Cherami"
Charles Paul de Kock
I breakfasted at Passy, with certain excellent people, whose society is not over and above diverting: and, faith!
"Monsieur Cherami"
Charles Paul de Kock