Wash the lettuce and roll in a kitchen towel to dry. Put into a bowl. Cut the bacon into small chunks and fry until slightly crisp. Pour the grease and bacon over the lettuce in the bowl. Add butter into the same pan and melt over low heat. Add the cream and scrape up the bits of bacon on the bottom of the pan. Add the eggs, salt, sugar, and vinegar to a bowl and beat lightly. Slowly pour into the hot cream and butter mixture, stirring vigorously. Raise the heat up to high, still stirring, and cook until thickened. Pour the hot dressing over the lettuce, toss, and sprinkle in the paprika. Serve with or over hot mashed potatoes.