her would I advise
you to assume the character of a wealthy squire, as your common
fortune-hunters do, by which means many a poor lady is cheated into
matrimony, and instead of enjoying the pomp and grandeur that was
promised, sees her dowry seized by her husband's rapacious creditors,
and herself reduced to misery and despair. No, I know you have a soul
that disdains such imposition; and are master of qualifications, both
of mind and body, which alone entitle you to a match that will set you
above the world. I have clothes in my possession that a duke need not be
ashamed to wear. I believe they will fit you as they are, if not there
are plenty of tailors in France. Let us take a short trip to Paris, and
provide ourselves with all other necessaries, then set out for England,
where I intend to do myself the honour of attending you in quality of a
valet. This expedient will save you the expense of a servant, shaving,
and dressing; and I doubt not but, by the blessing of God, we shall
bring matters to a speedy and fortunate issue." Extravagant as this
proposal was, I listened to it with pleasure, because it flattered my
vanity, and indulged a ridiculous hope I began to entertain of inspiring
Narcissa with a mutual flame.

After breakfast, Monsieur d'Estrapes went to pay his devoirs to the
marquis, and was so successful in his application, that I obtained a
discharge in a few days, upon which we set out for Paris. Here I had
time to reflect and congratulate myself upon this sudden transition of
fate, which to bear with moderation required some degree of philosophy
and self-denial. This truth will be more obvious, if I give a detail
of the particulars, to the quiet possession of which I was raised in an
instant, from the most abject misery and contempt. My wardrobe consisted
of five fashionable coats full mounted, two of which were plain, one
of cut velvet, one trimmed with gold, and another with silver lace, two
frocks, one of white drab, with large plate buttons, the other of blue
with gold binding; one waistcoat of gold brocade; one of blue satin,
embroidered with silver; one of green silk, trimmed with figured broad
gold lace; one of black silk, with fringes; one of white satin, one of
black cloth, and one of scarlet; six pair of cloth breeches; one pair
of crimson, and another of black velvet; twelve pair of white silk
stockings, as many of black silk, and the same number of white cotton;
one hat, laced with gold point