'C'est avec les sentiments du plus profond regret': and again, 'Je suis bien scar que vous comprendrez mes sentiments, et m'accorderez l'honneur que je reclame au nom de ma patrie outrage.' The word 'patrie' was broadcast over the letter, and 'honneur' appeared four times, and a more delicate word to harp on than the others! 'Not to Frenchmen,' said his friend Rosamund.

'I would put "Je suis convaincu": it is not so familiar.' 'But I have written out the fair copy, ma'am, and that alteration seems a trifle.' 'I would copy it again and again, Nevil, to get it right.' 'No: I'd rather see it off than have it right,' said Nevil, and he folded the letter.
How the deuce to address it, and what direction to write on it, were further difficulties.

He had half a mind to remain at home to conquer them by excogitation.
Rosamund urged him not to break his engagement to dine at the Halketts', where perhaps from his friend Colonel Halkett, who would never imagine the reason for the inquiry, he might learn how a letter to a crack French regiment should be addressed and directed.
This proved persuasive, and as the hour was late Nevil had to act on her advice in a hurry.
His uncle Everard enjoyed a perusal of the manuscript in his absence..