I was much pleased with his way of looking at it, and with all the arguments with which he supported my interesting affair; but with a swift change of front he wrote to me a few days later—
“However long the time I have devoted to the papers you committed to me, madame, I grudge neither the time nor the work if I may keep your confidence and your esteem. From things I know of and approaching events, I am convinced that your cause has its dangers, and that you must be prepared for oppositions, humiliations, delays and troubles innumerable.
“Your last years will be years of grief and affliction; I am not exaggerating.
“An opportunity is now offered me of rendering you the greatest of services by giving you rest and peace of mind.
“You are a good wife and tender mother; you might, at the same time, give delight to your family and to the excellent persons who have given such proof of their constancy and their devotion by combining with you.
“As for myself, madame, I have no thought but to repeat the assurance of my respectful and sincere devotion.
“Lafont d’Aussonne.”
At once I saw through the plot, and wishing to find out what offers would be made me, I replied in such a fashion as to let it be believed that I was quite willing to make concessions.
MARIA STELLA, LADY NEWBOROUGH, BARONNE DE STERNBERG