Munich, | Nov. 21.
| Dec. 2.

SIR,

Your letter was at Florence four days before I arrived there.

That I might not appear unworthy of your favour, I set out for this city the very next morning.  I knew not but that the politeness of this court might have engaged, beyond his intention, a gentleman who has only his pleasure to pursue.

But being disappointed in my hope of finding you here, it becomes me to acquaint you, that I have such a desire to stand well in the opinion of a man of your spirit, that I cannot hesitate a moment upon the option, which I am sure Mr. Lovelace in my situation (thus called upon) would make.

I own, Sir, that I have on all occasions, spoken of your treatment of my ever-dear cousin as it deserved.  It would have been very surprising if I had not And it behoves me (now you have given me so noble an opportunity of explaining myself) to convince you, that no words fell from my lips, of you, merely because you were absent.  I acquaint you, therefore, that I will attend your appointment; and would, were it to the farthest part of the globe.

I shall stay some days at this court; and if you please to direct for me at M. Klienfurt’s in this city, whether I remain here or not, your commands will come safely and speedily to the hands of, Sir,

Your most humble servant,
Wm. Morden.

***

So you see, Belford, that the Colonel by his ready, his even eagerly-expressed acceptance of the offered interview, was determined.  And is it not much better to bring such a point as this to an issue, than to give pain to friends for my safety, or continue in suspense myself; as I must do, if I imagined that another had aught against me?

This was my reply: 

Vienna, | Nov. 25.
| Dec. 6.

SIR,

I have this moment the favour of your’s.  I will suspend a tour I was going to take into Hungary, and instantly set out for Munich; and, if I can find you not there, will proceed on to Trent.  This city, being on the confines of Italy, will be most convenient, as I presume, to you, in your return to Tuscany; and I shall hope to meet you in it on the 3/14th of December.

I shall bring with me only a French valet and an English footman.  Other particulars may be adjusted when I have the honour to see you.  Till when, I am, Sir,

Your most obedient servant,
R. Lovelace.

***

Now, Jack, I have no manner of apprehension of the event of this meeting.  And I think I must say he seeks me out; not I him.  And so let him take the consequence.

What is infinitely nearer to my heart, is, my ingratitude to the most excellent of women—­My premeditated ingratitude!—­Yet all the while enabled to distinguish and to adore her excellencies, in spite of the mean opinion of the sex which I had imbibed from early manhood.