WHEN all was set to rights, I came down stairs again into the _basse
cour_ with my _valet de place_, in order to sally out towards the tomb
of the two lovers, &c.—and was a second time stopp’d at the gate——not
by the ass—but by the person who struck him; and who, by that time, had
taken possession (as is not uncommon after a defeat) of the very spot
of ground where the ass stood.
It was a commissary sent to me from the post-office, with a rescript in
his hand for the payment of some six livres odd sous.
Upon what account? said I.——’Tis upon the part of the king, replied the
commissary, heaving up both his shoulders——
——My good friend, quoth I——as sure as I am I—and you are you——
——And who are you? said he.——
——Don’t puzzle me; said I.