“I must end here a letter I did not think to make so long.
“I have served you zealously, milady; and I don’t regret it, for I believe your cause to be a just one in the sight of God and of nature.
“I withdraw without resentment, although I am much hurt by the insult offered to me.
“If the Duke comes to know what has taken place, he will be much rejoiced, for he dreads my pen and the strength of my writings.
“With all respect, madame,” etc.
In spite of all these protestations, he could not win back my confidence, and I would have nothing more to do with him.
Mills’s sister-in-law was still with me; but for the last few days I had noticed a complete change in her for which I could not account and which she would explain to me only by pleading indisposition.
One morning her younger sister made her appearance and told me she wished to take her sister back with her to stay while the carnival lasted, as while she was with me she had no chance of enjoying the entertainments connected with it.
Glad of this opportunity, I replied at once—