I advise you further, not to let yourself be imposed
upon by adventurers and impostors. It is known that you were among
the most active adherents of Queen Marie Antoinette, and there may
be people who would work on your credulity and make you believe that
the poor little Louis Charles was really released from the Temple.
Do not deny that you parted with much money at that time, and
believed that it was wanted for the purpose of setting the young
King of France free. It was a trap, set in view of your loyalty and
devotion, and you fell into it. But you gave your money to no
effect, the poor, pitiable king could not be saved, and died in the
Temple as a prisoner of the republic. Take care how you trust any
idle stories, for, I tell you, you would never bring me to put
confidence in them. I am now the rightful King of France--I am Louis
XVIII.--and I am resolved not only to declare every pretender who
claims to be Louis XVII. an impostor, but to bring him to punishment
as a traitor. Mark this well, and therefore warn this mysterious
nephew of yours not to venture on playing out his comedy, for it
will assuredly change into tragedy, and end with his death.' These
were the words of the Count de Lille, and now you understand why I
have brought you so suddenly, and so secretly, away from my solitary
palace and have you here.
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