I only retired from the harmless imposture lest I might compromise you, and you are so far gone in politics now that the revelation--if it came about--that you were deceived by me and by my "father"-- would do you no harm.

For a number of reasons I know pretty well that the Benchers would not make themselves ridiculous by having the story of my successful entry into their citadel told in open court.

I have in fact, through a devious channel, received the assurance that if I do not resume this character (of D.V.W.) nothing more will be said.

What, then, have I to fear?
My mother _s'est bien rangee_.

She leads a life of the most respectable.