Ipromised, my dear Baron, to send you an account of a truly interesting scene, which I was preparing for my pupil. I could not satisfy your curiosity sooner, as I was willing nothing should be wanting to my History; and it has cost me six months search to find what I desired.

I have already told you, my young Prince promises to be possessed of very brilliant qualities; he has good sense, a lively imagination, and a happy disposition. But I observed in him a certain degree of insensibility which afflicted me, though I only attributed it to his want of experience. When one has never been unhappy, nor a witness to scenes of distress, it is not possible to be truly compassionate. It is not bare recitals that can impress our hearts with sentiments, which will be opposed by all those factitious but dangerous passions, to which the corruption of the times give rise. It is not words but examples, which are necessary for this great work; and, above all, affecting scenes, which will leave an indelible impression on a young and innocent heart. Persuaded of the truth of this, I determined to search the city and suburbs for some unfortunate family ready to sink under the weight of their affliction; and, in order to succeed better in my search, I applied myself to a Gentleman who bestows on the poor more than three fourths of a considerable fortune gained by his own industry in trade.

He is a stranger in this country, and is called Mons. d’ Anglures; his country and his birth are unknown. He speaks several languages equally well. He has lived here about ten years, in a small house, on the borders of the lake – The singularity of his way of living attracted our Sovereign's curiosity, who desired to see him. One should imagine that Mons. d’ Anglures had related to him some very affecting story, for the Prince, from that moment, has shewn a particular regard.