I don't sell my soul to Napoleon, and applaud him _quand meme_.

But absolutely I disbelieve in this version, Isa.

If the war had not stopped at Villafranca, it would have been European; _that_, if not clear at the time, is clear now--clear from the official statement of Prussia.

By putting diplomacy in the place of the war, a great deal was absolutely attained, besides a better standpoint for a renewal of the war, should that be necessary.

'Hence those tears'-- of Villafranca! The letter-writer is very keen, and evidently hears a good deal, while he selects after his own judgment.