The ambassador readily gave in to the idea, which at least tended to disembarrass him of me.

M.de Mervilleux interpreting secretary to the embassy, said, that his friend, M.Godard, a Swiss colonel, in the service of France, wanted a person to be with his nephew, who had entered very young into the service, and made no doubt that I should suit him.

On this idea, so lightly formed, my departure was determined; and I, who saw a long journey to perform with Paris at the end of it, was enraptured with the project.

They gave me several letters, a hundred livres to defray the expenses of my journey, accompanied with some good advice, and thus equipped I departed.
I was a fortnight making the journey, which I may reckon among the happiest days of my life.

I was young, in perfect health, with plenty of money, and the most brilliant hopes, add to this, I was on foot, and alone.