When all was set to rights, I came down stairs again into the _basse cour_ with my _valet de place_, in order to sally out towards the tomb of the two lovers, &c. --and was a second time stopp'd at the gate----not by the ass--but by the person who struck him; and who, by that time, had taken possession (as is not uncommon after a defeat) of the very spot of ground where the ass stood.
It was a commissary sent to me from the post-office, with a rescript in his hand for the payment of some six livres odd sous.
Upon what account? said I. ----'Tis upon the part of the king, replied the commissary, heaving up both his shoulders----
----My good friend, quoth I----as sure as I am I--and you are you----
----And who are you? said he. ------Don't puzzle me; said I.
When all was set to rights, I came downstairs again with my valet, in order to go out towards the tomb of the two lovers - and was a second time stopped at the gate - not by the ass - but by the person who struck him; standing on the very spot where the ass had stood.
It was a messenger from the post-office, with a bill in his hand for the payment of some six livres.
'Upon what account?' said I.
''The king's,' replied he with a shrug.
'My good friend,' quoth I, 'as sure as I am I - and you are you-'
'And who are you?' said he.
'Don't puzzle me,' said I.
Book 7 - Chapter 33