Depart Switzerland | Page 5

like you always to give me ices, and you must let me have
two more lights. But, unless I am mistaken, those are candles that I see.
I am a Venetian, and accustomed to wax lights."
"That is your servant's fault, sir."
"How is that?"
"Because, after eating a good supper, he went to bed, saying he was ill.
Thus I heard nothing as to how you liked things done."
"Very good, you shall learn from my own lips."
"He asked my wife to make chocolate for you tomorrow morning; he
gave her the chocolate, I will make it myself."
When he had left the room M. de Valenglard said, in a manner that was
at the same time pleased and surprised, that Madame d'Urfe had been
apparently joking in telling him to spare me all expense.
"It's her goodness of heart. I am obliged to her all the same. She is an
excellent woman."
We stayed at table till eleven o'clock, discussing in numerable pleasant
topics, and animating our talk with that choice liqueur made at
Grenoble, of which we drank a bottle. It is composed of the juice of
cherries, brandy, sugar, and cinnamon, and cannot be surpassed, I am
sure, by the nectar of Olympus.
I sent home the baron in my carriage, after thanking him for his
services, and begging him to be my companion early and late while I
stayed at Grenoble--a re quest which he granted excepting for those
days on which he was on duty. At supper I had given him my bill of
exchange on Zappata, which I endorsed with the name de Seingalt,
which Madame d'Urfe had given me. He discounted it for me next day.
A banker brought me four hundred louis and I had thirteen hundred in
my cash-box. I always had a dread of penuriousness, and I delighted
myself at the thought that M. de Valenglard would write and tell

Madame d'Urfe, who was always preaching economy to me, what he
had seen. I escorted my guest to the carriage, and I was agreeably
surprised when I got back to find the doorkeeper's two charming
daughters.
Le Duc had not waited for me to tell him to find some pretext for not
serving me. He knew my tastes, and that when there were pretty girls in
a house, the less I saw of him the better I was pleased.
The frank eagerness of the two girls to wait on me, their utter freedom
from suspicion or coquetry, made me determine that I would shew
myself deserving of their trust. They took off my shoes and stockings,
did my hair and put on my night-gown with perfect propriety on both
sides. When I was in bed I wished them a goodnight, and told them to
shut the door and bring me my chocolate at eight o'clock next morning.
I could not help confessing that I was perfectly happy as I reflected
over my present condition. I enjoyed perfect health, I was in the prime
of life, I had no calls on me, I was thoroughly independent, I had a rich
store of experience, plenty of money, plenty of luck, and I was a
favourite with women. The pains and troubles I had gone through had
been followed by so many days of happiness that I felt disposed to
bless my destiny. Full of these agreeable thoughts I fell asleep, and all
the night my dreams were of happiness and of the pretty brunette who
had played with me at the concert.
I woke with thoughts of her, and feeling sure that we should become
acquainted I felt curious to know what success I should have with her.
She was discreet and poor; and as I was discreet in my own way she
ought not to despise my friendship.
At eight o'clock, one of the door-keeper's daughters brought me my
chocolate, and told me that Le Duc had got the fever.
"You must take care of the poor fellow."
"My cousin has just taken him some broth."

"What is your name?"
"My name is Rose, and my sister is Manon."
Just then Manon came in with my shirt, on which she had put fresh lace.
I thanked her, and she said with a blush that she did her father's hair
very well.
"I am delighted to hear it, and I shall be very pleased if you will be kind
enough to do the same offices for me till my servant recovers."
"With pleasure, sir."
"And I," said Rose, laughing, "will shave you."
"I should like to see how you do it; get the water."
I rose hastily, while Manon was preparing to do my hair. Rose returned
and shaved me admirably. As soon as she had washed off the lather, I
said,