You are quite right, my good papa; we must understand that true happiness lies only in tranquillity of soul. It is not within our power to transform the character of those with whom we live, or to prevent the annoyances that surround us from taking their course. That man is a sage who speaks in an attempt to console his daughter, too sensitive, by teaching her the truth. Oh my father, I entreat your friendship and your sound philosophy; my heart hears you, has submitted itself to you. Give me strength; let that strength take the place of an indifference that your child could never feel. Only, my friend, admit that for one who knows how to love, ingratitude is a terrible evil; that it is hard for a woman who would give her life without hesitation in order to ensure her husband’s happiness, to see the fruit of her solicitude and of her desires taken away from her through intrigue and treachery. Time will turn everything to good; my papa has said it, I believe it; but my papa has also said, “Time is the stuff life is made of.” My life, my friend, is made of a fine and delicate stuff that is cruelly torn by grief. If I had any reasons to reproach myself, I would have ceased to exist long ago! My soul is pure, simple and frank; I dare to affirm it to my father; I dare to tell him that my soul is worthy of him. Furthermore, I dare to assure him that my conduct, which he has found discreet, will not disappoint him; that I will await justice patiently; that I will follow the advice of my respectable friend with steadfastness and confidence. Farewell, you whom I love so much. My good papa, don’t ever call me anything but daughter, yesterday you called me madame and my heart shrank, I examined myself to see if I had done you any wrong, or if I had some failings that you would not tell me of. Pardon, my friend; I am not reproaching you; I am accusing myself of a weakness. I was born far too sensitive for my own happiness and for that of my friends. Heal me, or pity me; if you can, do both. Tomorrow is Wednesday; you will come to tea, won’t you? Believe, my papa, that the delight I feel in receiving you is shared by my husband, children and friends: I cannot doubt it, and I assure you of it.