" I saw the feelings of the king, and took care
not to allow him to go away in this state. Whilst I sought to
compose him by my caresses, the duc de Richelieu told us one of
his thousand and one adventures, which he told so well. I know
not if it will please you, but such as it is I shall give you an
abridgment of it.
"I was, you know," he began, "a very good-looking, a very wild
fellow: women have no objection to this. I was travelling, and
in my way thro' D----, M., the intendant of the city, insisted on
my taking up my abode at his house. His lady added her entreaties,
and I consented. I must tell you that the lady was handsome. I
had passed the night with her; but when, on the next morning, as
I sought to go out of her apartment, I found the outer door double
locked and bolted. I looked round me on all sides, but found no
egress. Whilst I was lamenting this with the lady's
chambre>, who was nearly as much distressed as her mistress, I
saw in a detached closet a great many machines covered with paper,
and all of different shapes. On inquiry, I was informed that the
following Monday was the lady's birthday, which they were to
celebrate with fireworks. I looked at the beautiful fusees and
brilliant suns with much admiration. Suddenly, thinking of the
lady's honor which might be compromised, I took a light and set
fire to a Roman candle; in a moment the whole was in flames, and
everybody took alarm.
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