It was very short: "Dear Old Boy:--I'm off.

In an hour I shall be on my way to Ottawa, and from thence I will write you next.

Do you know why I am going?
I am running away from myself! 'Lead us not into temptation;' and Satan seems to have me hard and fast at Danton Hall.

Lauderdale, in spite of your bad opinion of me, I don't want to be a villain if I can help it.

I don't want to do any harm; I do want to be true! And here it is impossible.