“Do you know nobody at court,” said the priest, “no person of rank in the government—or I may say opposed to the government—for people now-a-days are not what they seem or pretend to be?”
“I have no knowledge of any titled person,” replied I; “when I parted with one of the gentlemen whom I landed at Bordeaux he gave me the name of a lady of quality at Paris, desiring me, if in difficulty, to apply to him through her; but that was if in difficulty in France; of course she could do nothing for me in this country.”
“Have you the name of the lady?”
“Yes,” replied I; “it is on the first leaf of my pocket-book. Here it is.”
The priest read the name, and then said—
“You must write immediately a few words, acquainting her with your position. I will see the letter safely delivered before the week is over.”
“What good can she possibly do me?” replied I.
“I cannot say; but this I know, that if anything is to be done, it will be. Write immediately.”
The priest called the gaoler and requested writing materials, which were brought, and in a few minutes I had done as he requested.
“There, Sir, I have written to please you; but I candidly state that I consider it a useless attempt.”