The success of my first discourse rendered the execution of this resolution more easy.  As soon as it had gained the premium, Diderot undertook to get it printed.  Whilst I was in my bed, he wrote me a note informing me of the publication and effect:  “It takes,” said he, “beyond all imagination; never was there an instance of alike success.”

This favor of the public, by no means solicited, and to an unknown author, gave me the first real assurance of my talents, of which, notwithstanding an internal sentiment, I had always had my doubts.  I conceived the great advantage to be drawn from it in favor of the way of life I had determined to pursue; and was of opinion, that a copyist of some celebrity in the republic of letters was not likely to want employment.

The moment my resolution was confirmed, I wrote a note to M, de Francueil, communicating to him my intentions, thanking him and Madam Dupin for all goodness, and offering them my services in the way of my new profession.  Francueil did not understand my note, and, thinking I was still in the delirium of fever, hastened to my apartment; but he found me so determined, that all he could say to me was without the least effect.  He went to Madam Dupin, and told her and everybody he met, that I had become insane.  I let him say what he pleased, and pursued the plan I had conceived.  I began the change in my dress; I quitted laced clothes and white stockings; I put on a round wig, laid aside my sword, and sold my watch; saying to myself, with inexpressible pleasure:  “Thank Heaven!  I shall no longer want to know the hour!” M. de Francueil had the goodness to wait a considerable time before he disposed of my place.  At length perceiving me inflexibly resolved, he gave it to M. d’Alibard, formerly tutor to the young Chenonceaux, and known as a botanist by his Flora Parisiensis.

[I doubt not but these circumstances are now differently related by M. Francueil and his consorts:  but I appeal to what he said of them at the time and long afterwards, to everybody he knew, until the forming of the conspiracy, and of which men of common sense and honor, must have preserved a remembrance.]

However austere my sumptuary reform might be, I did not at first extend it to my linen, which was fine and in great quantity, the remainder of my stock when at Venice, and to which I was particularly attached.  I had made it so much an object of cleanliness, that it became one of luxury, which was rather expensive.  Some persons, however, did me the favor to deliver me from this servitude.  On Christmas Eve, whilst the governesses were at vespers, and I was at the spiritual concert, the door of a garret, in which all our linen was hung up after being washed, was broken open.  Everything was stolen; and amongst other things, forty-two of my shirts, of very fine linen, and which were the principal part of my stock.  By the manner in which the neighbors described a man