I made way for him to search, but I locked and bolted the door to prevent his escaping.  The man trembled like a leaf and began to look for the letter amongst his Warsaw correspondence, which was in a disgraceful state of confusion.  I shewed him the date of the article in the paper, but the letter could not be found; and at the end of an hour he fell down again on his knees, and told me to do what I would to him.  I gave him a kick and told him to get up and follow me.  He made no reply, and followed me bareheaded till he saw me get into my chaise and drive off, and I have no doubt he gave thanks to God for his light escape.  In the evening, I reached Aix-la-Chapelle, where I found Princess Lubomirska, General Roniker, several other distinguished Poles, Tomatis and his wife, and many Englishmen of my acquaintance.

CHAPTER II

My Stay at Spa—­The Blow—­The Sword—­Della Croce—­Charlotte; Her Lying-in and Death—­A Lettre de Cachet Obliges Me to Leave Paris in the Course of Twenty-four Hours

All my friends seemed delighted to see me, and I was well pleased to find myself in such good company.  People were on the point of leaving Aix for Spa.  Nearly everyone went, and those who stayed only did so because lodgings were not to be had at Spa.  Everybody assured me that this was the case, and many had returned after seeking in vain for a mere garret.  I paid no attention to all this, and told the princess that if she would come with me I would find some lodging, were it only in my carriage.  We accordingly set out the next day, and got to Spa in good time, our company consisting of the princess, the prothonotary, Roniker, and the Tomatis.  Everyone except myself had taken rooms in advance, I alone knew not where to turn.  I got out and prepared for the search, but before going along the streets I went into a shop and bought a hat, having lost mine on the way.  I explained my situation to the shopwoman, who seemed to take an interest in me, and began speaking to her husband in Flemish or Walloon, and finally informed me that if it were only for a few days she and her husband would sleep in the shop and give up their room to me.  But she said that she had absolutely no room whatever for my man.

“I haven’t got one.”

“All the better.  Send away your carriage.”

“Where shall I send it?”

“I will see that it is housed safely.”

“How much am I to pay?”

“Nothing; and if you are not too particular, we should like you to share our meals.”

“I accept your offer thankfully.”

I went up a narrow staircase, and found myself in a pretty little room with a closet, a good bed, suitable furniture, and everything perfectly neat and clean.  I thought myself very lucky, and asked the good people why they would not sleep in the closet rather than the shop, and they replied with one breath that they would be in my way, while their niece would not interfere with me.