We levied similar contributions on everybody in X----, to amuse the dear old man.

Monsieur de Magny's valet used to report both to me and Monsieur de Geldern.
'I knew of the fact of the emerald being in pawn; and it was out of my exchequer that the poor Princess drew the funds which were spent upon the odious Lowe, and the still more worthless young Chevalier.

How the Princess could trust the latter as she persisted in doing, is beyond my comprehension; but there is no infatuation like that of a woman in love: and you will remark, my dear Monsieur de Balibari, that our sex generally fix upon a bad man.' 'Not always, madam,' I interposed; 'your humble servant has created many such attachments.' 'I do not see that that affects the truth of the proposition,' said the old lady drily, and continued her narrative.

'The Jew who held the emerald had had many dealings with the Princess, and at last was offered a bribe of such magnitude, that he determined to give up the pledge.

He committed the inconceivable imprudence of bringing the emerald with him to X----, and waited on Magny, who was provided by the Princess with money to redeem the pledge, and was actually ready to pay it.' 'Their interview took place in Magny's own apartments, when his valet overheard every word of their conversation.