cessary to enable him to support such a burthen
of calamities, as he found otherwise too heavy to bear.

* * * * *

The duke having now returned to Paris, made a considerable reformation
in his houshold affairs, and placed himself in a private family, while
the duchess went to a relation's at St. Germains. In the mean while
the answer of the letter sent to Rome came in its proper time, in
which his imprudent conduct was represented; but at the same time was
touched with so light and delicate a hand, that it gave the duke
but little uneasiness. No hopes were given him, that he should be
gratified in his extravagancies, or flattered in his levities; on the
contrary he was told, 'That as his past conduct had not merited any
favour, nothing but his future behaviour could recommend him to it.'
The duke had sufficient penetration to discover by this hint, that he
was not likely to be abandoned, which was consolation enough to one
of his sanguine temper, in the then desperate situation of his
affairs.--The Chevalier de St. George soon after sent him 2000 l.
for his support, of which he was no sooner in possession, than he
squandered it away in a course of extravagance. In reality, money
seemed to be such a burthen to him, that he bent all his thoughts
to get rid of it as fast as possible; and he was as unwilling his
companions should be troubled with it as himself. As a proof of this
strange temper we shall quote one instance amongst many in the words
of the writer of his life, which will serve to shew the heedless
profusion of that unaccountable nobleman.

'A young Irish lord of the duke's acquaintance, of a sweet obliging
and generous disposition, happening to be at St. Germains, at the time
his grace was paying a visit to his lady; the duke came to him one
night, with an air of business, and told his lordship that an affair
of importance called him instantly to Paris, in which no time was to
be lost, wherefore he begged the favour of his lordship's coach. The
young nobleman lent it very readily, but as the duke was stepping into
it, he added, that he should reckon it an additional obligation, if
his lordship would give him, his company: As the duke was alone,
the young lord either could not, or would not, refuse him. They went
together for Paris, where they arrived about midnight. The duke's
companion then supposing his grace's business might demand privacy,
offered to leave him and come ag