the only person who was in the secret, and denied my having preserved any one of them.  A virtuous, faithful and generous falsehood; whilst truth would have been a perfidy.  Madam d’ Epinay, perceiving Theresa was not to be seduced, endeavored to irritate her by jealousy, reproaching her with her easy temper and blindness.  “How is it possible,” said she to her, “you cannot perceive there is a criminal intercourse between them?  If besides what strikes your eyes you stand in need of other proofs, lend your assistance to obtain that which may furnish them; you say he tears the letters from Madam d’Houdetot as soon as he has read them.  Well, carefully gather up the pieces and give them to me; I will take upon myself to put them together.”

Such were the lessons my friend gave to the partner of my bed.

Theresa had the discretion to conceal from me, for a considerable time, all these attempts; but perceiving how much I was perplexed, she thought herself obliged to inform me of everything, to the end that knowing with whom I had to do, I might take my measures accordingly.  My rage and indignation are not to be described.  Instead of dissembling with Madam d’Epinay, according to her own example, and making use of counterplots, I abandoned myself without reserve to the natural impetuosity of my temper; and with my accustomed inconsiderateness came to an open rupture.  My imprudence will be judged of by the following letters, which sufficiently show the manner of proceeding of both parties on this occasion: 

Note from madam D’EPINAY.  “Why, my dear friend, do I not see you?  You make me uneasy.  You have so often promised me to do nothing but go and come between this place and the Hermitage!  In this I have left you at liberty; and you have suffered a week to pass without coming.  Had not I been told you were well I should have imagined the contrary.  I expected you either the day before yesterday, or yesterday, but found myself disappointed.  My God, what is the matter with you?  You have no business, nor can you have any uneasiness; for had this been the case, I flatter myself you would have come and communicated it to me.  You are, therefore, ill!  Relieve me, I beseech you, speedily from my fears.  Adieu, my dear friend:  let this adieu produce me a good-morning from you.”

Answer.  “I cannot yet say anything to you.  I wait to be better informed, and this I shall be sooner or later.  In the meantime be persuaded that innocence will find a defender sufficiently powerful to cause some repentance in the slanderers, be they who they may.”