He was engaged, he said, upon an article relating to me, and the proprietors of the review had sent him a number of the 'Athenaeum,' which contained an extract from Miss M.'s book, desiring him to make use of the biographical details.

Now it struck him immediately, he said, on reading the passage, that it was likely to give me great pain, and he was so unwilling to be the means of giving me more pain that he came to Robert to ask him how he should act.

Do observe the delicacy and sensibility of this man--a man, a foreigner, a Frenchman! I shall be grateful to him as long as I live.[11] Robert has seen the extract in the 'Athenaeum.' It refers to the great affliction of my life, with the most affectionate intentions and the obtusest understanding.

I know I am morbid, but this thing should not have been done indeed.

Now, I shall be liable to see recollections dreadful to me, thrust into every vulgar notice of my books.