There was still another reason, of which I shall speak later.
Three days after the consummation of my sale to Sir William Wentworth, Count Hamilton returned, and, learning of the manner in which I had disgraced myself, withdrew his challenge, sending De Grammont to tell me the sad news.

He would not honor me by killing me.
"Why did you sell your title and estates ?" asked De Grammont.
"I have several good reasons, my dear count," I answered.

"The first is that I should have lost them had I not sold them.

While the king does not know that I was connected with the fight on the privy stairs, he doubtless suspected it, for I have lived in the royal frown ever since.

The second reason is that I hate Charles Stuart, and, admiring at least the strength of your king's tyranny, desire to live in France.