“I regret not having summoned you before, Chartres,” said the Duke. “Here is a young man who came to tell us an extremely interesting history of the journey from Varennes. He knew M. Drouet well—knew also the unhappy Comte de Dampierre. He has seen the commissioners sent by the National Assembly. He has seen all, in fact; and all he has seen, he has retained; and I am sure you would have felt great pleasure in listening to his recital.” “But,” said the Duc de Chartres, “perhaps this young gentleman will have the kindness——” Then, stopping, and looking at his father, “Better still,” continued he; “just as M. Laclos told me that you wished to see me, I was going to breakfast.” The Duc d’Orleans appeared to understand, and nodded his head imperceptibly. M. le Duc de Chartres did the same, pointing to me. “Will you do me the favor to breakfast with me?—and, during the meal, you can relate the whole affair.” I addressed myself to M. Laclos. “’Tis for me,” said I to him, “to thank his Highness for the great honor which he has conferred upon me; but it is for you to explain to him that I have left in the entrance-hall some one who awaits me; but that will not prevent me from giving Monseigneur,” continued I, turning to Duc d’Orleans, “the recital which I have just given you.” “But,” said the Duc de Chartres, smiling, “it will prevent you from accepting my breakfast.” “Monseigneur,” said I, “I am apprenticed to M. Duplay, your carpenter. It was he who had the goodness to tell M. Laclos that I should have the honor of being received this morning by the Prince, your father. It would be but a bad return, I think, for his kindness were I to leave him waiting in the ante-chamber—he who is my master,—whilst I had the honor of breakfasting with you. Excuse me,” said I, laughing. “I am a savage from the forest of Argonne; but, in all cases, I know Monseigneur to be sufficiently just and good to make him my judge in this case, and I promise faithfully to comply with his decree.” “But, sir,” said Madame de Buffon, “do you know that, for a savage——From what forest said you?” “The Forest of Argonne.” “You express yourself well. One would think that all your life you had been talking to princes.” “I have not all my life spoken to princes, but princes have often done me the honor to speak to me.” “Truly! Who were they?” “M. le Prince de Condé and M. le Duc d’Enghien. They used to hunt in the Forest of Argonne, and M. d’Enghien was in the habit of taking me with him.” “Well, nothing can astonish me, after this!” cried Madame de Buffon. “Did you see my cousin just before his departure?” asked the Duc de Chartres. “I am probably the last Frenchman to whom he paid the honor of shaking his hand.” “Well, then, you must accept my offer, and breakfast with me.”