Having had this by him for a week, he had not as yet answered the
invitation. He had received two or three notes from Lady Laura, who
had frankly explained to him that if he were really ill she would
of course go to him, but that as matters stood she could not do so
without displeasing her brother. He had answered each note by an
assurance that his first visit should be made in Portman Square. To
Madame Goesler he had written a letter of thanks,--a letter which had
in truth cost him some pains. "I know," he said, "for how much I have
to thank you, but I do not know in what words to do it. I ought to be
with you telling you in person of my gratitude; but I must own to you
that for the present what has occurred has so unmanned me that I am
unfit for the interview. I should only weep in your presence like
a school-girl, and you would despise me." It was a long letter,
containing many references to the circumstances of the trial, and to
his own condition of mind throughout its period. Her answer to him,
which was very short, was as follows:--
Park Lane, Sunday--
MY DEAR MR.
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