I am not writing to ask you to forgive my conduct in the old days.

I am but too well aware how completely I have forfeited all right to your esteem or consideration.

Believe me that I have suffered for my fault, and that my life has been a ruined one.

I attempt to make no excuses.

I am conscious that while others were to blame I was most of all, and that it is to my own weakness of will and lack of energy that the breach between us was due.