As to my desertion of Le Maitre (all things considered) I did not find it so very culpable.

I had been serviceable to him at his retreat; it was not in my power to give him any further assistance.

Had I remained with him in France it would not have cured his complaint.

I could not have saved his music, and should only have doubled his expense: in this point of view I then saw my conduct; I see it otherwise now.

It frequently happens that a villainous action does not torment us at the instant we commit it, but on recollection, and sometimes even after a number of years have elapsed, for the remembrance of crimes is not to be extinguished.
The only means I had to obtain news of Madam de Warrens was to remain at Annecy.