Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 3).djvu/16

 enemy. I have no doubt but that he expected it; for on the breaking up of the court, he had set off to other quarters, to "confer," as he gave out with other general officers respecting a secret expedition. I was persuaded, by the whole corps, to present a petition to the Emperor; but my spirit rose repugnant to the idea of a petition. I therefore wrote a plain narrative of facts, which I sent to my royal master, and quitted the army immediately.

"Alas! my child, when the hurry of tumultuous and indignant passions had subsisted, your image swam across my sight; and how was my Louisa to be supported? The first idea that occurred to my reason. What my feelings were, I will not describe. Providence graciously recalled to my mind the Abbe Bouville, whom I had known in early days, and on whose benevolence and wisdom I thought I might repose confidence. I knew his residence, although I had not visited him in his retirement; nor indeed was then certain of his existence, but to seek him, was