Considers it a
reflection cast on the memory of the best of men, to suppose that his
course of action toward the Misses Vanstone can be other than the
course of action which his father pursued. This is what he has himself
instructed Mrs. Lecount to say. She has endeavored to express herself in
the most conciliatory language she could select; she had tried to avoid
giving unnecessary pain, by addressing Miss Vanstone (as a matter of
courtesy) by the family name; and she trusts these concessions, which
speak for themselves, will not be thrown away.--Such is the substance of
the letter, and so it ends.
I draw two conclusions from this little document. First--that it will
lead to serious results. Secondly--that Mrs. Lecount, with all her
politeness, is a dangerous woman to deal with. I wish I saw my way safe
before me. I don't see it yet.
_29th._--Miss Vanstone has abandoned my protection; and the whole
lucrative future of the dramatic entertainment has abandoned me with
her. I am swindled--I, the last man under heaven who could possibly have
expected to write in those disgraceful terms of myself--I AM SWINDLED!
Let me chronicle the events. They exhibit me, for the time being, in a
sadly helpless point of view.
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