Comte St. Germain had the art of making diamonds which only differed from
the real ones in weight, and which, according to him, would make his
fortune. M. d'O---- would have been amused if I had told him all I knew
about this charlatan.

Next day I took Esther to the concert, and while we were there she told
me that on the day following she would not leave her room, so that we
could talk about getting married without fear of interruption. This was
the last day of the year 1759.




CHAPTER XI

I Undeceive Esther--I set out for Germany--Adventure Near Cologne--The
Burgomaster's Wife; My Conquest of Her--Ball at Bonn--Welcome From the
Elector of Cologne--Breakfast at Bruhl--First Intimacy--I sup Without
Being Asked at General Kettler's I am Happy--I Leave Cologne--The Toscani
The Jewel My Arrival at Stuttgart

The appointment which Esther had made with me would probably have serious
results; and I felt it due to my honour not to deceive her any longer,
even were it to cost me my happiness; however, I had some hope that all
would turn out well.

I found her in bed, and she told me that she intended to stop there
throughout the day. I approved, for in bed I thought her ravishing.

"We will set to work," said she; and her governess set a little table by