“I have not since heard from him; I suppose he knew not what to say to so plain a detected falsehood.  It is very disagreeable to me to converse with one from whom I do not expect to hear a word of truth, and who, I am very sure, will repeat many things that never passed in our conversation.  You see the most solemn assurances are not binding from him, since he could come to London in opposition to your commands, after having so frequently protested he would not move a step except by your order.  However, as you insist on my seeing him, I will do it, and think Valence the properest town for that interview; it is but two days’ journey from this place; it is in Dauphine.

“I shall stay here till I have an answer to this letter.  If you order your son to go to Valence, I desire you would give him a strict command of going by a feigned name.  I do not doubt your returning me whatever money I may give him; but as I believe, if he receives money from me, he will be making me frequent visits, it is clearly my opinion I should give him none.  Whatever you may think proper for his journey, you may remit to him.”

“Lyons, April 25 [1742].

“On recollection (however inconvenient it may be to me on many accounts), I am not sorry to converse with my son.  I shall at least have the satisfaction of making a clear judgment of his behaviour and temper:  which I shall deliver to you in the most sincere and unprejudiced manner.  You need not apprehend that I shall speak to him in passion.  I do not know that I ever did in my life.  I am not apt to be over-heated in discourse, and am so far prepared, even for the worst on his side, that I think nothing he can say can alter the resolution I have taken of treating him with calmness.  Both nature and interest (were I inclined to follow blindly the dictates of either) would determine me to wish him your heir rather than a stranger; but I think myself obliged both by honour, conscience and my regard for you, no way to deceive you; and I confess, hitherto I see nothing but falsehood and weakness through his whole conduct.  It is possible this person may be altered since I saw him, but his figure then was very agreeable and his manner insinuating.  I very well remember the professions he made to me, and do not doubt he is as lavish of them to other people.  Perhaps Lord Carteret may think him no ill match for an ugly girl that sticks upon his hands.  The project of breaking his marriage shows at least his devotion counterfeit, since I am sensible it cannot be done but by false witness.  His wife is not young enough to get gallants, nor rich enough to buy them.

“I make choice of Valence for our interview as a town where we are not likely to find any English, and he may if he pleases be quite unknown; which it is hardly possible to be in any capital town either of France or Italy.

“Lyons, May 2 [1742].