175^2. ''anecdotes of Fontaine. ^ 



Although every kind of confineinent was contrary to the 

 taste of Fontaine, he allowed himself however to marry j 

 but he only determined on it in complaisance to his rela- 

 tions. They made him espouse Mary Hericard, daughter 

 of a lieutenant general de la.Ferte-Milon. This lady had 

 wit and beauty, but her difficult humour had driven away 

 her husband, who was come to Paris to live in his own 

 way. He had perhaps totally forgotten her, when he was per- 

 ■sttaded to go to his province, to see his wife and be recon- 

 ciled to her. He set out, in consequence, from Paris in 

 the public stage, arrived at his house, and asked for his 

 wife. The servant, who did not know him, told him that 

 his mistrefs was at evening prayers. Foritain« went di- 

 rectly to the house of a friend, who gave him supper 

 and a bed, and kept him for two days ; when the coach 

 was ready to return to Paris, Fontaine got into it, and 

 thought no more of his wife. "VMien his friends of Paris 

 saw him return, they alked him news of his reconciliation ; 



■ I went to see my wife, said he, but 1 did not find her ^ Jht 

 ivas at prayers. 



There never was a man who believed \-i\izt was told him 

 so easily : Witnefs his adventure with a captain of dra- 



. goons named Poignan. This officer used to be often in 

 the house of Fontaine, and was particularly pleased with 

 the conversation of his wife, whose society was very agree- 

 able. Poignan was neither of an age, humour, nor figure, 

 to disturb the peace of a husband. However, people told 



stories of him to Fontaine, and t&ld him he was dilhonou- 

 red if lie did not fight the captain. Struck with that idea, he 



.got up very early in the morning, goes to the house of his 



man, waki.ns him, bids him drefs and follow him. Poignan, 

 who did not know what all this meant, went out with 



him. They arrived at a remote corner, out of the city ; 



./ -wifh tofighi -.jthyou — / have bstn advised to it, said Fofl- 



