Giacomo Casanova

Back Again to Paris Giacomo Casanova

Book Excerpt"St. Germain--he would never dare to return to Paris.""I am certain that he is here in disguise. The state messenger who ordered him to leave London has convinced him the English minister was not duped by the demand for his person to be given up, made by the Comte d'Afri in the name of the king to the States-General."All this was mere guess-work, and it will be seen that I guessed rightly. Madame d'Urfe then congratulated me on the charming girl whom I had sent from Grenoble to Paris. Valenglard had told her the whole story."The king adores her," said she, "and before long she will make him a father. I have been to see her at Passi with the Duchesse de l'Oraguais.""She will give birth to a son who will make France happy, and in thirty years time you will see wondrous things, of which, unfortunately, I can tell you nothing until your transformation. Did you mention my name to her?""No, I did not; but I am sure you will be able to see her, if only at Madame Varnier's."