at first that it was to notify the decease of some friend,
and I looked upon the style as gloomy as it was strange;
but, upon opening it, I found it to contain the follow-
ing words:--

"MADAME LA COMTESSE,--I am perfectly aware that the strict pur-
suit made after me in your name is without your knowledge or
sanction: those sent in search of me have spared no pains nor trouble
to ascertain my name and abode. My abode! Let all as they value
themselves avoid meeting me there; for, when they enter it, it will
be never to quit it more. Who am I? That can only be known
when this life has been exchanged for another. I charge you, ma-
dame, to command the lieutenant, M. de Sartines, to cease his re-
searches after me; they would be fruitless, and might only compromise
your safety. Remember, I predicted your good fortune; was I not
correct in it? I have also foretold reverses; I am equally correct in
them also. You will see me twice more; and should I unfortunately
cross your path a third time, prepare to bid adieu to the light of
heaven and the pleasures of this world."

It is impossible to convey an idea of the excessive
terror with which I was filled upon the perusal of this
billet. I summoned my sister-in-law, and complained of
the harshness of conduct thus adopted against my pleas-
ure. Chon was equally alarmed, and confessed to me
what she had done in asking the aid of M. de Sartines;
at the same time that she was the first to declare that
it was requisite to put an end to all further search, which,
in one shape or other, might bring on the most fatal
consequences. I therefore wrote myself to M. de Sartines,
thanking him for his exertions; but saying, that my sister-
in-law and myself had learned from the lips of the myste-
rious stranger all we were desirous of knowing, and that
any future researches being unpleasant to him would be
equally disagreeable to me. M. de Sartines obeyed my
request; and from that period till the death of the king
I heard no more of this singular personage.

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