My soul is calmer, my dear papa, since it has unburdened itself into yours, since it does not fear anymore that Mademoiselle j—— might settle down with you and be your torment, as well as that of your dear [grand]son. The more I reflect on her conduct in this matter, and on the proposal that Mr. de C—— made to you, the more difficult it is for me to understand how a man of his age, who came to my house so rarely, could have conceived of suggesting that you bestow your trust, your friendship on a person whose abilities and character he cannot possibly know. If he put no more reflection or care into his own personal affairs than he has into this, I would sincerely pity him.

In the sad story I told you the other day, in the letters I showed you, you saw your daughter’s soul laid bare: her extreme sensitivity, her frankness, her too easy affability, no distrustfulness to shield her from evil because she never suspects it, not being capable of evil herself; a yearning to love and be loved which has caused her to confide too promptly in such as proclaimed their own goodness and virtues—there, my friend, is the cause of all my sorrows. Shall I love less from now on? No, probably not, but I shall not love with such haste: reason and reflection will come to the aid of a heart that is too tender and too weak. The more I examine myself, the more I see that my hope to prove useful to someone I thought unhappy and in poor circumstances has led me into a terrible trap. Mademoiselle j——,forever extolling virtues which she never practiced, a delicacy she herself knew nothing of, a frankness she does not possess, was clever enough, after being disowned by her own family, and expelled from two households, to take advantage of me to such an extent as to make all her adventures turn out to her credit; so much so that I pitied her, loved her, and always refused to listen to the repeated warnings I received to beware of her real character. I almost paid with my life the ingratitude, the falsity with which she deceived me. My husband will be perhaps for a long time under her spell; but I dare hope that my eagerness to please him, the affection of his children, the contempt which all our old and good friends have conceived for that girl, and which they are not prepared to conceal, will open his eyes some day. Meanwhile, I surrender entirely to the cleverness she will display in trying to make me appear as ridiculous as possible. It was important for my peace of mind that my father and very close friend should be informed of everything; as for the public, which has always judged me with indulgence, I will continue to let it see what has already seen in me: simple and honest conduct, without pretension; great affection for my husband, my children, my friends, and for virtue above all. I will say nothing evil of Mademoiselle j——; unfortunately for her, her own character does her enough harm.

Farewell to you whom I respect and love: my good, amiable papa. Keep my secret within your soul, keep my heart there too. I deposit it with you to heal it from its wounds and weaknesses.

I shall expect you this evening for tea; never, never have I had a greater need of spending a few hours with you.