My figure
was by no means calculated to dispel their fears; a flapped hat put on
over my night-cap, and a short cloak about my shoulder (which Madam de
Warrens had obliged me to put on presented in their idea the image
of a real sorcerer. Being near midnight, they made no doubt but this
was the beginning of some diabolical assembly, and having no curiosity
to pry further into these mysteries, they fled with all possible
speed, awakened their neighbors, and described this most dreadful
vision. The story spread so fast that the next day the whole
neighborhood was informed that a nocturnal assembly of witches was
held in the garden that belonged to Monsieur Noiret, and I am ignorant
what might have been the consequence of this rumor if one of the
countrymen who had been witness to my conjurations had not the same
day carried his complaint to two Jesuits, who frequently came to visit
us, and who, without knowing the foundation of the story, undeceived
and satisfied them. These Jesuits told us the whole affair, and I
acquainted them with the cause of it, which altogether furnished us
with a hearty laugh. However, I resolved for the future to make my
observations without light, and consult my planisphere in the house.
Those who have read Venetian magic, in the Letters from the
Mountain, may find that I long since had the reputation of being a
conjurer.
Such was the life I led at Charmettes when I had no rural
employments, for they ever had the preference, and in those that did
not exceed my strength, I worked like a peasant; but my extreme
weakness left me little except the will; besides, as I have before
observed, I wished to do two things at once, and therefore did neither
well.
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