I commenced the account. When I mentioned Drouet, the Duke interrupted me to ask particulars about him. When I mentioned M. Dampierre, he made another interruption. He made another when I mentioned Barnave, Pétion, and Latour-Maubourg; in fact, he wished to know even the minutest particulars.
Before I had finished, “Go and find Chartres,” he said to M. de Laclos.
M. de Laclos went out; I continued my recital.
It was nearly brought to an end, when the door opened, and gave entrance to a handsome young man, whom I had already seen at the Jacobin Club on the occasion of my first visit to Paris.
The young Prince bowed respectfully to his father, gallantly kissed Madame Buffon’s hand, threw a scrutinizing glance on me, and seemed to bend his whole attention on what was passing.
“I regret not having summoned you before, Chartres,” said the Duke. “Here is a young man who came to tell us an extremely interesting history of the journey from Varennes. He knew M. Drouet well—knew also the unhappy Comte de Dampierre. He has seen the commissioners sent by the National Assembly. He has seen all, in fact; and all he has seen, he has retained; and I am sure you would have felt great pleasure in listening to his recital.”
“But,” said the Duc de Chartres, “perhaps this young gentleman will have the kindness——” Then, stopping, and looking at his father, “Better still,” continued he; “just as M. Laclos told me that you wished to see me, I was going to breakfast.”
The Duc d’Orleans appeared to understand, and nodded his head imperceptibly. M. le Duc de Chartres did the same, pointing to me.
“Will you do me the favor to breakfast with me?—and, during the meal, you can relate the whole affair.”