It is whilst there, that he, a man of prudence and sense, a dignified diplomatist, a nobleman, prompted by an insensate passion, dares to confide to paper this most monstrous of projects.

Listen! "'My adored one,-- "'It is Germain, my old valet, who will hand you this letter.

I am sending him to Normandy, charged with a commission of the most delicate nature.

He is one of those servitors who may be trusted implicitly.
"'The time has come for me to explain to you my projects respecting my son.

In three weeks, at the latest, I shall be in Paris.
"'If my previsions are not deceited, the countess and you will be confined at the same time.