Brewer's: Lavalette

(Marquis de), à French statesman who was condemned to death for sending secret despatches to Napoleon, was set at liberty by his wife, who took his place in the prison.

Lord Nithsdale escaped in a similar way from the Tower of London. His wife disguised him as her maid, and with her he passed the sentries and made good his escape.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
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