⸺But it is an indubitable verity, continued I, addressing myself to the commissary, changing only the form of my asseveration⸺that I owe the king of France nothing but my goodwill; for he is a very honest man, and I wish him all health and pastime in the world⸺
Pardonnez moi —replied the commissary, you are indebted to him six livres four sous, for the next post from hence to St. Fons , in your route to Avignon —which being a post royal, you pay double for the horses and postillion—otherwise ’twould have amounted to no more than three livres two sous⸺
⸺But I don’t go by land; said I.
⸺You may if you please; replied the commissary⸺
Your most obedient servant⸺said I, making him a low bow⸺
The commissary, with all the sincerity of grave good breeding—made me one, as low again.⸺I never was more disconcerted with a bow in my life.
⸺The devil take the serious character of these people! quoth I—(aside) they understand no more of irony than this⸺
The comparison was standing close by with his panniers—but something seal’d up my lips—I could not pronounce the name—
Sir, said I, collecting myself—it is not my intention to take post⸺
—But you may—said he, persisting in his first reply—you may take post if you choose⸺
—And I may take salt to my pickled herring, said I, if I choose⸺