It seems as if he had kept
Time at bay very long, and now at last, the common enemy will be held at
arm's-length no longer. He still braces himself up in the old military
manner, still holds himself more erect than many men of half his age;
but, in spite of all this, I can see that he is very feeble; shaken and
worn by a long life of difficulty. I am glad to think that there will he
a haven for him at last; and if I did not thank Gustave with my whole
heart for giving me a home and a place in the world, I should thank him
for giving a shelter to my father.
And now, dear, as I hope to be with you so very soon, I shall say no
more. I am to spend a day in Rouen before we come back--papa and I, that
is to say; Gustave stays in Normandy to make some arrangements before he
comes back to England. I cannot comprehend the business relations between
him and papa; but there is some business going on--law business, as it
seems to me--about which papa is very important and elated.
I am to see the cathedral and churches at Rouen, and I shall contrive to
see the shops, and to bring you something pretty. Papa has given me
money--the first he ever gave me unasked. I have very little doubt it
comes from Gustave; but I have no sense of shame in accepting it. M.
Lenoble's seems to me a royal nature, formed to bestow benefits and
bounties on every side.
Tell Mrs. Sheldon that I shall bring her the prettiest cap I can find in
Rouen; and,
with all love, believe me ever your affectionate
DIANA.
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