I had, as you know, a very pretty room at Madame’s hotel, whither I generally went privately.  I had, one day, had visits from two or three Paris representatives, who told me news; and Madame, having sent for me, I went to her, and found her with M. de Gontaut.  I could not help instantly saying to her, “You must be much pleased, Madame, at the noble action of the Marquis de ------.”  Madame replied, drily, “Hold your tongue, and listen to what I have to say to you.”  I returned to my little room, where I found the Comtesse d’Amblimont, to whom I mentioned Madame’s reception of me.  “I know what is the matter,” said she; “it has no relation to you.  I will explain it to you.  The Marquis de -------has told all Paris, that, some days ago, going home at night, alone, and on foot, he heard cries in a street called Ferou, which is dark, and, in great part, arched over; that he drew his sword, and went down the street, in which he saw, by the light of a lamp, a very handsome woman, to whom some ruffians were offering violence; that he approached, and that the woman cried out, ‘Save me! save me!’ that he rushed upon the wretches, two of whom fought him, sword in hand, whilst a third held the woman, and tried to stop her mouth; that he wounded one in the arm; and that the ruffians, hearing people pass at the end of the street, and fearing they might come to his assistance, fled; that he went up to the lady, who told him that they were not robbers, but villains, one of whom was desperately in love with her; and that the lady knew not how to express her gratitude; that she had begged him not to follow her, after he had conducted her to a fiacre; that she would not tell him her name, but that she insisted on his accepting a little ring, as a token of remembrance; and that she promised to see him again, and to tell him her whole history, if he gave her his address; that he complied with this request of the lady, whom he represented as a charming person, and who, in the overflowing of her gratitude, embraced him several times.  This is all very fine, so far,” said Madame d’Amblimont, “but hear the rest.  The Marquis de exhibited himself everywhere the next day, with a black ribbon bound round his arm, near the wrist, in which part he said he had received a wound.  He related his story to everybody, and everybody commented upon it after his own fashion.  He went to dine with the Dauphin, who spoke to him of his bravery, and of his fair unknown, and told him that he had already complimented the Duc de C——­ on the affair.  I forgot to tell you,” continued Madame d’Amblimont, “that, on the very night of the adventure, he called on Madame d’Estillac, an old gambler, whose house is open till four in the morning; that everybody there was surprised at the disordered state in which he appeared; that his bagwig had fallen off, one skirt of his coat was cut, and his right hand bleeding.  That they instantly bound it up, and gave him some Rota wine.  Four days ago, the Duc