answer would probably be to advise me to leave [the Duke’s service], I have not carried out my intention without knowing your wishes, which are my law. If, however, you give me leave, you will see a fine row, for I will avenge myself on this insult in such a manner that the whole world will talk about it, though that pleasure would cost me dear, for I should have to leave you.” ----- Footnote 176: The Duke evidently thought the Countess Aurora was coming to Hanover for the carnival in the winter. Footnote 177: Countess Platen. Footnote 178: Contemporary evidence of the quarrel between Countess Platen and Aurora is given in a letter of the Electress Sophia, published in Cramer’s _Memorials of the Countess Königsmarck_. ----- “AFFLEGEN, _October_ 6/16. “I was hindered the day before yesterday from finishing my letter by the alarm that the French were going to attack Charleroy,[179] but it came to nothing, and therefore I am able to write now. As my previous letters seem to have upset you so much, I am dying to know what there was in them to offend you so greatly. You command me to make the _amende honorable_; I willingly do so. I am only too happy to find myself mistaken, and hope you will forgive me. The Prince of Würtemburg’s affair must have prevented the Prince of Hesse from carrying out his intention of going to the fair. I have not heard who went to Frankfort, but I think that _ma chérie_ has been badly rewarded for her trouble in going to the fair, for I hear very few men of quality were there. You are good enough to say if I find anything in your letters to vex me I must put it down to anger: of course, one must pardon anything from an angry lady, so tell me, I pray you, what shall I do to be reconciled to you? Command me and I will obey. My crime is suspicion. Surely it is only right and fair that I should tell you my fears, even though I may be in the wrong. I own I am wrong, and am ready to offer you any reparation. I have never sighed ‘for fresh conquests’ since I paid my court to you. To be sure of your heart is my only happiness and desire; but, Beloved, I cannot suffer any rivals.... All the treasures, all the pleasures, all the charms of the world will not lure me from the woman who has my heart. You may be sure that neither kings nor riches, neither castles nor all the tortures of hell, would make me change.” ----- Footnote 179: Colt’s _Despatch_, Göhre, October 17: “We have just heard the welcome news that the French have failed in their design on Charleroy; they were for the most part sure here that Charleroy must be taken”. ----- “_Six o’clock, from_ CHARLEROY, _October_ 10/20.