Mean time we heard five or six great Strokes upon the Bason of our Clock which were given so fast one after another, that they made us start; we could not imagine the Meaning of it; not considering that we our selves had advis'd the King to make use of this Method, in Imitation of the _Europeans_, to raise an Alarm, and give the Inhabitants of the Canton Notice, when any thing happen'd to the Disadvantage of the Quarter, that they might all flock together to the Place, and endeavour to remedy it. A Man running by just after, and calling out Fire, as loud as ever he could, deliver'd us from that Fright, and threw us into another. Not knowing where it was, we leap'd to the Bed's-feet and put on each a dirty Gown, which we girt close round our Bodies, with a Design to lend a Helping-hand to quench it, and going out, we presently saw that Queen _Lidola_'s House was in Flames. Ladders were brought from all Parts, and there was such Plenty of Water at hand, that by the Force of it the Fire was hindered from spreading to the neighbouring Apartments, so that the Damage was not very considerable. As it began in the Closet where _La Foret_ was conceal'd, we did not doubt but the Waiting-woman, when she was looking for him, let some Spark fall into the Tent-Bed, or some other Moveable or combustible Matter, which had been the Cause of the Fire. Mean time the King retir'd as soon as a Domestic brought him the News. We went immediately to condole with him, but he only laugh'd, and told us, that neither the Fright nor the Damage deserv'd our Compliment, especially with regard to a Man of his natural Temper, whom nothing could put out of Humour. The Queen was no sooner recover'd of her Fright, on account of this sad Fire, but she took Pen in Hand and drew up a second Letter, in Substance almost as follows.
_My Chamber-maid has already been abroad. I know where you are retired, but I give a shrewd guess which way you made your Escape. The Conjuncture was dangerous, and altogether as alarming to me as to you, insomuch that the Fire which afterwards broke out in my Closet, by the Imprudence of my People, was nothing to it, in comparison. But let not this discourage you, we shall be more happy another time. Be constant and tranquil. I will give you notice when 'tis a proper Season, and take such Precautions that at our next Interview, I hope for an Opportunity of giving you a convincing Testimony, that I am truly your Friend._