rsuaded to repress her desire. However, by a most ludicrous
occurrence, it was revived, and nothing would do but she must have a
sight of the being who had for some time been the talk of every society,
and at the period to which I allude was become the mirth of all Paris.

"The Chevalier being one day in a very large party of both sexes, in
which, though his appearance had more of the old soldier in it than of
the character he was compelled 'malgre lui', to adopt, many of the
guests having no idea to what sex this nondescript animal really
belonged, the conversation after dinner happened to turn on the manly
exercise of fencing.

[It may be necessary to observe here that the Chevalier, having for some
particular motives been banished from France, was afterwards permitted to
return only on condition of never appearing but in the disguised dress of
a female, though he was always habited in the male costume underneath
it.]

Heated by a subject to him so interesting, the Chevalier, forgetful of
the respect due to his assumed garb, started from his seat, and, pulling
up his petticoats, threw himself on guard. Though dressed in male
attire underneath, this sudden freak sent all the ladies--and many of
the gentlemen out of the room in double--quick time. The Chevalier,
however, instantly recovering from the first impulse, quietly pat down
his, upper garment, and begged pardon in, a gentlemanly manner for
having for a moment deviated from the forma of his imposed situation.
All, the gossips of Paris were presently amused with the story, which,
of coarse, reached the Court, with every droll particular of the pulling
up and clapping down the cumbrous paraphernalia of a hoop petticoat.

"The King and Queen, from the manner in which they enjoyed the tale when
told them (and certainly it lost nothing in the report), would not have
been the least amused of the party had they been present. His Majesty
shook the room with laughing, and the Queen, the Princesse Elizabeth, and
the other ladies were convulsed at the description.

"When we were alone, 'How I should like,' said the Queen, 'to see this
curious man-woman!'--'Indeed,' replied I, 'I have not less curiosity than
yourself, and I think we may contrive to let Your Majesty have a peep at
him--her, I mean!--without compromising your dignity, or offending the
Minister who interdicted the Chevalier from appearing in your presence. I
know he has expressed the greatest mortific