 infant was now the only blessing I possessed in life, and that nothing but death, or her happiness, should ever part us.
She gazed at me with a mixture of surprise and contempt, and said, that if Pere Guillaume had informed her I was such a pretty simpleton, she would have saved me and herself the trouble of a visit; but that she believed there was something contagious in folly, since she found herself inclined to comply with my absurd request, though she detested children; but that her hotel at Paris being large enough to prevent her hearing it squall, I might bring the brat with me, provided I did not insist on her being plagued with it, during our journey.

I was transported with even this uncouth and forced permission; I kissed her hand, and bathed it with my tears; told her she had rendered me extremely happy, and that I would endeavour to deserve her indulgence, by every mark of gratitude and attention in my power. She seemed pleased, and somewhat affected; and at quitting me, she gave me a purse of fifty Louis-d'ors, bid me prepare for my journey, by that day sennight; said she would not desire me to come to her house, at Marseilles, because she meant to surprise her husband, by finding me in her suite, without his knowlege, and desired that I might still retain the name of d'Olivet.
This was the most sudden transition I had ever experienced, from sorrow to

joy; and tho' I could not possibly know what sort of state I was going to enter into, yet I thought any change must be for the better—It was also the first time I had ever had any thing like business to transact in my life; and the having it in my power to discharge my debts and servants, composed my mind into a state of the most pleasing tranquility imaginable.—Nannette, however, remained still a weight upon my spirits, in addition to that misfortune that then did, and ever will oppress them.
In a short time after the marchioness had left me, the good father Guillaume returned; he brought with him the shagreen case, which I had intrusted him with, the contents untouched, except a diamond ring which he had been obliged to

dispose of, to answer the expences of my family; and delivered me twelve Louis d'ors, the remainder of thirty he had sold it for.—The sight of my dear parent's pictures affected me extremely; I kissed and bathed them with my tears, and most piously thanked my good patroness in my
