It contained hardly more than a
thanksgiving that his life had not been sacrificed, and in a day or
two she had written again, letting him know that she had determined
to consult her father. Then on the last day of the month he received
the following letter:--
Dresden, March 27th, 18--.
MY DEAR FRIEND,--
At last we have resolved that we will go back to England,
--almost at once. Things have gone so rapidly that I
hardly know how to explain them all, but that is Papa's
resolution. His lawyer, Mr. Forster, tells him that it
will be best, and goes so far as to say that it is
imperative on my behalf that some steps should be taken
to put an end to the present state of things. I will
not scruple to tell you that he is actuated chiefly by
considerations as to money. It is astonishing to me that
a man who has all his life been so liberal should now in
his old age think so much about it. It is, however, in no
degree for himself. It is all for me. He cannot bear to
think that my fortune should be withheld from me by Mr.
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