The jeweler, though a _millionaire_, was a modest man.

He had purchased a substantial carriage, built in 1648, ten years after the king's birth.

This carriage, or rather house upon wheels, excited the admiration of the whole quarter in which he resided--it was covered with allegorical paintings, and clouds scattered over with stars.

The marquise entered this somewhat extraordinary vehicle, sitting opposite the clerk, who endeavored to put his knees out of the way, afraid even of touching the marquise's dress.

It was the clerk, too, who told the coachman, who was very proud of having a marquise to drive, to take the road to Saint-Mande..