‘Providence rewards me above my merits; it is useless for me to shut out fortune; she razes walls to get at me. When I say fortune, I do not mean wealth, for you know that our minister is more than economical; but by fortune I mean honour, preferment. You are aware of my latest promotion in the diplomatic service, for which I neither sought nor asked. A fortuitous chance gave birth to it, another chance will destroy it. I will be none the less the slave of events. You will take notice that I frankly speak the truth when necessary, and whether it be found good or bad, I will go on my own way, and it is quite immaterial to me whether I be retained or sent about my business. I look upon fortune as my waiting-woman, and on truth as my mistress, and it will ever make me sick at heart to have to do my duty under certain chiefs; you understand me. They would turn the course of events to their own special advantage, or to their private views; it is precisely in this that lies what is revolting to my sense of truth, and many take for pride what is but integrity of heart and purpose.’[113] The Chevalier was greatly liked in English society, and had become a favourite of good George III. We find him included by Horace Walpole amongst the distinguished guests at the Strawberry Hill breakfast given to Madame de Boufflers, and his countrymen were proud of their representative; but a storm was gathering which was about to engulf him, and turn the tide of his fortunes, so brilliant at the outset, in a completely different direction. The Count de Broglio’s apprehensions for the safety of de la Rosière’s reports and other private papers of the King, increased as the time of de Guerchy’s departure for England drew nigh. In his restless anxiety, he instructed D’Eon to remove himself and every private document in his charge from the French Embassy, before the ambassador made his appearance, to apartments where they should be absolutely beyond his interference and reach. Any excuse would do to account for his change of residence, and he was recommended to take to live with him either of his kinsmen, D’Eon de Mouloise or Carlet de la Rosière, who would be valuable protection against any attempt at a surprise, and trusty substitutes in the event of any unforeseen accident to himself; in fact, every precaution was to be taken to prevent the secret correspondence from falling into the hands of strangers, and especially of the King’s ambassador and ministers. In a few days the precious documents were securely deposited in a house in Dover Street, to which D’Eon removed immediately upon the arrival of the Count de Guerchy.