“Thus the woman whom I most esteem would, with my knowledge, have been loaded with the infamy of dividing her heart and person between two lovers, and I with that of being one of these wretches.  If I knew that, for a single moment in your life, you ever had thought this, either of her or myself, I should hate you until my last hour.  But it is with having said, and not with having thought it, that I charge you.  In this case, I cannot comprehend which of the three you wished to injure; but, if you love peace of mind, tremble lest you should have succeeded.  I have not concealed either from you or her all the ill I think of certain connections, but I wish these to end by a means as virtuous as their cause, and that an illegitimate love may be changed into an eternal friendship.  Should I, who never do ill to any person, be the innocent means of doing it to my friends?  No, I should never forgive you; I should become your irreconcilable enemy.  Your secrets are all I should respect; for I will never be a man without honor.

“I do not apprehend my present perplexity will continue a long time.  I shall soon know whether or not I am deceived; I shall then perhaps have great injuries to repair, which I will do with as much cheerfulness as that with which the most agreeable act of my life has been accompanied.  But do you know in what manner I will make amends for my faults during the short space of time I have to remain near to you?  By doing what nobody but myself would do; by telling you freely what the world thinks of you, and the breaches you have to repair in your reputation.  Notwithstanding all the pretended friends by whom you are surrounded, the moment you see me depart you may bid adieu to truth, you will no longer find any person who will tell it to you.”

THIRD LETTER FROM THE SAME.

“I did not understand your letter of this morning; this I told you because it was the case.  I understand that of this evening; do not imagine I shall ever return an answer to it; I am too anxious to forget what it contains; and although you excite my pity, I am not proof against the bitterness with which it has filled my mind.  I! descend to trick and cunning with you!  I! accused of the blackest of all infamies!  Adieu, I regret your having the adieu.  I know not what I say adieu:  I shall be very anxious to forgive you.  You will come when you please; you will be better received than your suspicions deserve.  All I have to desire of you is not to trouble yourself about my reputation.  The opinion of the world concerning me is of but little importance in my esteem.  My conduct is good, and this is sufficient for me.  Besides, I am ignorant of what has happened to the two persons who are dear to me as they are to you.”