We had entirely forgotten that passports would be
necessary; however, I have now furnished him with
four for England, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland.
The count is far from partaking of your sense of
security, and is wisely anxious (as I think) of
shielding himself from the first burst of royal
vengeance. The duchess has informed me of your
refusal of an asylum at Deux Ponts; and, while I
admire your courage, permit me to add, that you
should rather have listened to the dictates of
prudence than magnanimity under present circumstances."
The following morning, at an early hour, comte Jean entered my
chamber, saying,
"I understand the king is dead; have you heard anything of it?"
"Were the report correct," answered I, "I should have known it
ere the intelligence reached Paris."
"Well, living or dead, I am advised to keep out of the way; and
this night will see me on my journey from Paris. Will you
accompany me?"
"No, I replied I; "I have refused travelling with a much more
creditable companion than yourself."
"There you are wrong then; for, depend upon it, a cloister will
be your fate; at any rate my business here is at an end. The new
monarch is young, and attached to his wife, and my daughter-in-law
is too great a simpleton to be turned to any account at court."
My brother-in-law then requested I would furnish him with money.
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