The order of the Golden Fleece, which he wore, amidst other decorations, caused me to wait in respectful silence for his farther explanation.
“Do you no longer recollect that I am your debtor for a broken looking-glass, and still more for your kindness to the blind man in the diligence? Your benevolence will never pass from my memory.”
It was indeed the blind passenger.
“What a transformation!” I exclaimed.
“Troublesome times,” he replied, “like these, must teach every prince that misfortune may strip him of the dress which he only owes to accident. When we met I had just escaped from the persecution of him who was then all-powerful, and but with extreme difficulty escaped. By a lucky chance I contrived to change all my ready money into jewels, which I carried about with me, unknown to any; for it was only the show of extreme poverty that could protect me from suspicion. Hence it was, that, after my escape by flight, I availed myself of your offer in the diligence, though I did not need it, making
