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 messengerwho ordered him to leave London has convinced him the Englishminister was not duped by the demand for his person to be givenup, made by the Comte d'Afri in the name of the king to theStates-General."All this was mere guess-work, and it will be seen that I guessedrightly. Madame d'Urfe then congratulated me on the charming girl whom Ihad sent from Grenoble to Paris. Valenglard had told her thewhole story."The king adores her," said she, "and before long she will makehim a father. I have been to see her at Passi with the Duchessede l'Oraguais.""She will give birth to a son who will make France happy, and inthirty 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 onlyat Madame Varnier's."Read Mor