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.
Packet A, No. 44.
"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.
Wednesday morning.
"I cannot yet say anything to you. I wait to be better informed, and
this I shall be sooner or later.
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