There was more than sufficient in all this to disturb
a head far stronger than I could boast. However, thanks to my
thoughtfulness, no troublesome thoughts interfered to break my
rest on the night preceding a day so important to me, and I slept as
tranquilly as though upon waking I had no other occupation for my
time than a walk on the boulevards, or a drive to the Bois de Boulogne.
Comte Jean, however, had passed a very different night; for once,
the whisperings of ambition had overcome even his natural
indifference and carelessness, and tired of tossing upon a
sleepless pillow, he arose at the first break of day, reproached
me for slumbering so long, and allowed me neither peace nor
rest till I joined him dressed for our journey. At length, we
set out according to our agreement with Lebel; I was closely
muffled up in my large
--the carriage rolled along till
we reached Versailles, where we had for the last month engaged a
lodging, which might be useful to us in all events; we alighted,
and after vainly seeking a few moments' repose, proceeded on
foot to Lebel, in whose apartments we were to attire ourselves in
a suitable manner.
"You are welcome," said the comte, "pray consider yourself as
at home."
"I accept your augury," replied I, "it would be amusing enough
to find that my young prophet had predicted rightly.
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