SECTION XI.

“In the midst of the perplexing debates upon the course most advisable with regard to the Constitution after the unfortunate return from Varennes, I sent off my little English amanuensis to Paris to bring me, through the means of another trusty person I had placed about the Queen, the earliest information concerning the situation of affairs.  On her return she brought me a ring, which Her Majesty had graciously, condescended to send me, set with her own hair, which had whitened like that of a person of eighty, from the anguish the Varennes affair had wrought upon her mind; and bearing the inscription, ‘Bleached by sorrow.’  This ring was accompanied by the following letter: 

“’My dearest friend,—­

“’The King has made up his mind to the acceptance of the Constitution, and it will ere long be proclaimed publicly.  A few days ago I was secretly waited upon and closeted in your apartment with many of our faithful friends,—­in particular, Alexandre de Lameth, Duport, Barnave, Montmorin, Bertrand de Moleville, et cetera.  The two latter opposed the King’s Council, the Ministers, and the numerous other advisers of an immediate and unscrutinizing acceptance.  They were a small minority, and could not prevail with me to exercise my influence with His Majesty in support of their opinion, when all the rest seemed so confident that a contrary course must re-establish the tranquillity of the nation and our own happiness, weaken the party of the Jacobins against us, and greatly increase that of the nation in our favor.

“’Your absence obliged me to call Elizabeth to my aid in managing the coming and going of the deputies to and from the Pavilion of Flora, unperceived by the spies of our enemies.  She executed her charge so adroitly, that the visitors were not seen by any of the household.  Poor Elizabeth! little did I look for such circumspection in one so unacquainted with the intrigues of Court, or the dangers surrounding us, which they would now fain persuade us no longer exist.  God grant it may be so! and that I may once more freely embrace and open my heart to the only friend I have nearest to it.  But though this is my most ardent wish, yet, my dear, dearest Lamballe, I leave it to yourself to act as your feelings dictate.  Many about us profess to see the future as clear as the sun at noon-day.  But, I confess, my vision is still dim.  I cannot look into events with the security of others—­who confound logic with their wishes.  The King, Elizabeth, and all of us, are anxious for your return.  But it would grieve us sorely for you to come back to such scenes as you have already witnessed.  Judge and act from your own impressions.  If we do not see you, send me the result of your interview at the precipice.—­[The name the Queen gave to Mr. Pitt]—­’Vostra cara picciolca Inglesina’ will deliver you many letters.  After looking over the envelopes, you will either send her with them as soon as possible or forward them as addressed, as you may think most advisable at the time you receive them.