that is not enough. I had rather be an old maid and live only with
the thought of _him_ than marry another, if he were a king. I
remember those words of yours, 'I know he loves you.' Oh, my dear
Therese, what a comfort they are to me now! I repeat them often.
If _I_ could only say, 'I know'! Alas! I can but say, 'I do not
know,' nay, even, 'I do not believe.' If I had not been a fool I
should have made him tell me, for I had him over his ears in love
with me one day, or I am no judge of a man. But, you know, they
are so fickle! And then the Yankee girls are pretty and so clever.
Well, they shall not have him if I can help it. When I return
there shall be war, if necessary, between France and America.
And, Therese, you know I have weapons, and you have done me the
honor to say I know how to use them. I have told Louise, and--what
do you think?--the poor thing cried an hour--for pity of me! As
ever, she makes my trouble her own. I have been selfish always,
but I know the cure. It is love--toujours l'amour. Now I think
only of him, and he recalls you and your sweet words. God make you
a true prophet! With love to you and the marquis, I kiss each
line, praying for happiness for you and for him. Believe me as
ever,

"Your affectionate
"LOUISON.

"P.S. I feel better now I have told you. I wonder what his
Lordship will say. Poor thing! he will read this; he will think me
a fool. Eh bien, I have no better thought of him. He can put me
under lock and key, but he shall not imprison my secrets; and, if
they bore him, he should not read my letters. L."