Whatever effect this scene may have had upon Neuendorf’s more educated companions, it created a prodigious sensation in that part of the country, and one which was extremely beneficial to the ‘prince.’  The honest people could not do enough to testify their delight.  After his return to Paris, they organised subscriptions, in collecting which the village priests took the lead.  Under their influence the farmers and peasantry subscribed not only cash, but produce, a regular supply of which was sent every Saturday to Paris, under the charge of a farmer of St Arnould, named Noel Pequet.  It was ascertained that, during the four months succeeding his appearance at St Arnould, the value of upwards of L16,000 sterling was remitted to him from various parts of France!

With these supplies, and the contributions of the Comtesse de R. and her friends, Neuendorf was able to take a house, and set up an establishment, which he did as Duc de Normandie, the title which had been given by Louis XVI. to his son.  He began housekeeping on a scale of regal magnificence.  He bought a carriage, and collected a handsome stud of horses.  His servants’ liveries were splendid, and adorned with gilt buttons, on which was embossed a broken crown.  He even went so far as to form a court and appoint a ministry; and, that nothing should be wanting, he actually started a newspaper to advocate his cause.  The gentleman who undertook the responsible editorship of this journal having, however, neglected to deposit the securities required by law with the proper authorities, was arrested, and condemned to a long imprisonment; which he duly suffered.  The unfortunate victim to loyal sentiments was one M. Widerkeer.  This was the only evidence vouchsafed by the higher powers of their knowledge of the duke’s proceedings.  That the government of Louis-Philippe did not apprehend any very serious extent of belief in Neuendorf’s pretensions, must be inferred from the immunity with which they allowed him to carry on his proceedings, and to accept the contributions of the royalists.  On the other hand, it must be noticed that Louis-Philippe’s seat on the throne was not so firm as it afterwards became; and he may have been afraid to disturb Neuendorf, lest he should have excited the enmity of a very powerful party.

It must be owned that the evidence which the pretender had hitherto produced, was only calculated to gain over persons of limited experience and strong legitimist prejudices.  A circumstance, however, which afterwards took place, was of a nature to stagger more obstinate sceptics:  it had indeed that effect.  We translate it from the words of an individual who was present when it happened.  The Duc de Normandie was at dinner, surrounded by several friends.  ’Among the company was an old lady, who, having recently arrived from the provinces, had never heard of the “prince,” and, on being presented to him, was extremely astonished to find herself in the presence