DEAR BOBBY, MY FRIEND,—
Once more I fear I am causing you unhappiness. I cannot explain everything, but I can at least tell you this. When I prevailed upon you to introduce Mr. Ramsey to me, so much against your will, I had an object. This object was very far from being a desire for Mr. Ramsey’s acquaintance as you supposed, for I am still, and always shall be, devoted to that former friend of whom I told you. His name, I may now tell you, is Prince von Waldheim und Schlangenfurst. When I came to London I had hoped to have remained long enough to see you again, but I had no alternative but to go at a moment’s notice. To have remained would have been dangerous.
This letter will be delivered to you by a person whom I can trust. By the time you get it I shall be in Holland.
Some day when peace is restored I hope we may meet, and it will give me great pleasure to see you and introduce you to Prince von Waldheim, who esteems loyalty as I do.
As to Mr. Ramsey I do not know which I despise most—his vanity or his stupidity.
With every good wish,
Believe me,
Always sincerely and gratefully yours,