it was strange; but, upon opening it, I
found it to contain the following words:--

"MADAME LA COMTESSE,--I am perfectly aware that the strict pursuit made
after me in your name is without your knowledge or sanction: those sent
in search of me have spared no pains nor trouble to ascertain my name
and abode. My abode! Let all as they value themselves avoid meeting me
there; for, when they enter it, it will be never to quit it more. Who am
I? That can only be known when this life has been exchanged for another.
I charge you, madame, to command the lieutenant, M. de Sartines., to
cease his researches after me; they would be fruitless, and might only
compromise your safety. Remember, I predicted your good fortune; was I
not correct in it? I have also foretold reverses: I am equally correct
in them also. You will see me twice more; and should I unfortunately
cross your path a third time, prepare to bid adieu to the light of
heaven and the pleasures of this world."

It is impossible to convey an idea of the excessive terror with which I
was filled upon the perusal of this billet. I summoned my sister-in-law,
and complained of the harshness of conduct thus adopted against my
pleasure. Chon was equally alarmed, and confessed to me what she had
done in asking the aid of M. de Sartines; at the same time that she was
the first to declare that it was requisite to put an end to all further
search, which, in one shape or other, might bring on the most fatal
consequences. I therefore wrote myself to M. de Sartines, thanking him
for his exertions; but saying, that my sister-in-law and myself had
learned from the lips of the mysterious stranger all we were desirous of
knowing, and that any future researches being unpleasant to him would be
equally disagreeable to me. M. de Sartines obeyed my request; and from
that period till the death of the king I heard no more of this singular
personage.

CHAPTER XXI

Extraordinary anecdote of Louis XIV and madame de Maintenon--
The comtesse du Barry at Chantilly--Opinion of king and
comte de la Marche respecting the "Iron Mask"--Madame du
Barry visits madame de Lagarde

My acquaintance with the singular being I was speaking of in the last
chapter did not end here, as you will find in the sequel. I will now
give you an account of an equally strange affair, in nearly the same
words as Louis XV himself related it to me. Altho' strongly recommended
by my sister-in-law a