is return from the country. He had there found
the Marquis in the midst of his fiddlers, and very much vexed to find
himself a prisoner in his own house on account of Matta, whom he was
waiting for in order to feast him: he complained of him bitterly to
the Chevalier de Grammont: he said that he did not believe that he had
offended him; but that, since he was very desirous of a quarrel, he
desired the Chevalier to acquaint him, if he felt the least displeasure
on the present occasion, he should, on the very first opportunity,
receive what is called satisfaction. The Chevalier de Grammont assured
him that no such thought had ever entered the mind of Matta; that on the
contrary, he knew that he very greatly esteemed him; that all this could
alone arise from the extreme tenderness of his lady, who, being alarmed
upon the report of the servants who waited at table, must have gone to
her Royal Highness, in order to prevent any unpleasant consequences;
that he thought this the more probable, as he had often told the
Marchioness, when speaking of Matta, that he was the best swordsman
in France; for, in truth, the poor gentleman had never fought without
having the misfortune of killing his man.

The Marquis, being a little pacified, said he was very much obliged
to him, that he would severely chide his wife for her unseasonable
tenderness, and that he was extremely desirous of again enjoying the
pleasure of his dear friend Matta's company.

The Chevalier de Grammont assured him that he would use all his
endeavours for that purpose, and at the same time gave strict charge
to his guard not to let him escape without orders from the Court, as he
seemed fully bent upon fighting, and they would be responsible for him:
there was no occasion to say more to have him strictly watched, though
there was no necessity for it.

One being thus safely lodged, his next step was to secure the other: he
returned immediately to town: and as soon as Matta saw him, "What the
devil," said he, "is the meaning of this farce which I am obliged
to act? for my part, I cannot understand the foolish customs of this
country; how comes it that they make me a prisoner upon my parole?" "How
comes it?" said the Chevalier de Grammont, "it is because you yourself
are far more unaccountable than all their customs; you cannot help
disputing with a peevish fellow, whom you ought only to laugh at;
some officious footman has no doubt been talking of your last night's