This letter, which is now in my possession, is the rough draft of the circular; and it was written by the hand of the Marquis de Sairmeuse.

It is impossible for him to deny it.

There is an erasure on each line.

Everyone would regard it as the handiwork of a man who was seeking to convey his real meaning in ambiguous phrases." Chanlouineau opened the envelope and showed her the famous letter which he had dictated, and in which the space for the date of the insurrection was left blank.
"My dear friend, we are at last agreed, and the marriage is decided, etc." The light that had sparkled in Marie-Anne's eye was suddenly extinguished.
"And you believe that this letter can be of any service ?" she inquired, in evident discouragement.
"I do not believe it!" "But----" With a gesture, he interrupted her.
"We must not lose time in discussion--listen to me.

Of itself, this letter might be unimportant, but I have arranged matters in such a way that it will produce a powerful effect.