Le Maitre told him he was going
to Bellay by desire of the bishop, that he might superintend the music
during the Easter holidays, and that he proposed returning that way in
a few days. To support this tale, I told a hundred others, so
naturally that M. Reydelet thought me a very agreeable youth, and
treated me with great friendship and civility. We were well regaled
and well lodged: M. Reydelet scarcely knew how to make enough of us;
and we parted the best friends in the world, with a promise to stop
longer on our return. We found it difficult to refrain form
laughter, or wait till we were alone to give free vent to our mirth:
indeed, even now, the bare recollection of it forces a smile, for
never was waggery better or more fortunately maintained. This would
have made us merry during the remainder of our journey, if M. le
Maitre (who did not cease drinking) had not been two or three times
attacked with a complaint that he afterwards became very subject to,
and which resembled an epilepsy. These fits threw me into the most
fearful embarrassments, from which I resolved to extricate myself with
the first opportunity.
According to the information given to M. Reydelet, we passed our
Easter holidays at Bellay, and though not expected there, were
received by the music-master, and welcomed by every one with great
pleasure. M. le Maitre was of considerable note in his profession,
and, indeed, merited that distinction. The music-master of Bellay (who
was fond of his own works) endeavored to obtain the approbation of
so good a judge; for besides being a connoisseur, M.
Pages:
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181