He asked me what progress I was making in my education.
I told him. When I mentioned M. Drouet, he asked if he were not the postmaster at St. Menehould.
On my response in the affirmative, “A hot Republican, if I mistake not?” he said.
I replied that, through him, this part of the country had been apprized of the capture of the Bastille.
He asked me some questions about the general disposition of the country—as much of the nobles as of the lower classes.
I told him that the love of the people for their King was great, and that they equally hated the nobles, which was true.
He covered his face with his handkerchief, and sighed.
I looked at him with astonishment.
“Pardon me, Duke,” said I; “but I heard the Prince de Condé say that he was going to inspect the fortifications of Verdun, in case of war.”