And her answer shows that she fully enters into all the different questions which he has raised, though it also shows that she is guided by her heart as well as by her judgment; still looks on the continuance of the friendship between her native and her adopted country as essential not only to her comfort, but even in some degree to her honor, and also that on that account she is desirous at times of exerting a greater influence than is always allowed her.
"Versailles, September 29th, 1783.
"Shall I tell you, my dear brother, that your letter has delighted me by its energy and nobleness of thought and why should I not tell you so?
I am sure that you will never confound your sister and your friend with the tricks and manoeuvres of politicians.
"I have read your letter to the king.

You may be sure that it, like all your other letters, shall never go out of my hands.

The king was struck with many of your reflections, and has even corroborated them himself.
"He has said to me that he both desired and hoped always to maintain a friendship and a good understanding with the empire; but yet that it was impossible to answer for it that the difference of interests might not at times lead to a difference in the way of looking at and judging of affairs.

This idea appeared to me to come from himself alone, and from the distrust with which people have been inspiring him for a long time.

For, when I spoke to him, I believe it to be certain that he had not seen M.de Vergennes since the arrival of your courier.