Which was
actually done by the Marshal de Richelieu with a purse he had given to
his grandson, and which the lad, not knowing how to use, brought back
intact. Money, on this occasion, was at least of service to the
passing street-sweeper that picked it up. But had there been no
passer-by to pick it up, it would have been thrown into the river. One
day Mme. de B - , being with the Prince de Conti, hinted that she
would like a miniature of her canary bird set in a ring. The Prince
offers to have it made. His offer is accepted, but on condition that
the miniature be set plain and without jewels. Accordingly the
miniature is placed in a simple rim of gold. But, to cover over the
painting, a large diamond, made very thin, serves as a glass. Mme. de
B - , having returned the diamond, "M. le Prince de Conti had it
ground to powder which he used to dry the ink of the note he wrote to
Mme. de B - on the subject." This pinch of powder cost 4 or 5,000
livres, but we may divine the turn and tone of the note. The extreme
of profusion must accompany the height of gallantry, the man of the
world being so much the more important according to his contempt for
money.
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