Little do we know people at first sight! Do you preserve my letters? You will perceive that I have given very different accounts of this woman, for _lady_ I cannot call her. Now, my dear Sally, as soon as I get settled, enjoying again independence, I shall wish you to join me. In the meantime believe me your affectionate Father. The Count bought the lease of his villa at Auteuil in April 1808. For the last two or three months of his most miserable married life he was seriously ill. The nature of his illness is seen by the remedies that benefited him. He told his daughter that the King of Bavaria, having knowledge of his domestic discomforts, had recently written him a letter that had done him much good. ‘He speaks most kindly to me, and encourages me to bear my misfortunes like a man of firmness who has nothing to reproach himself with.’ The separation took place amicably on June 30, 1809. He soon after wrote to his daughter: I find myself relieved from an almost insupportable burden. I cannot repeat too much how happy I am, gaining every day in health, which, from vexations, had become seriously deranged. I am persuaded it is all for the best. After the scenes which I have recently passed through I realise, as never before, the sweets of quiet, liberty, and independence. My household consists of the most faithful, honest people, attached to me, without dissension, bribery, or malice. And, above all, that eternal contradiction. Oh! happy, thrice happy, am I to be my own man again! Later he wrote: Madame de Rumford is well. I see her sometimes, though very seldom. After what is past a reconciliation is impossible. She now repents of her conduct, but it is too late. The less I see her the better. I now enjoy peace and tranquillity, and my health improves every day. Again: Auteuil, October 24, 1809. DEAR SALLY,--The ‘Mentor’ arrived some weeks since, when I was expecting you. Without doubt the reason you did not come was owing to your not finding proper protection, and in these terrible times of war you cannot be too particular. This unfortunate war chains me to the spot, for I am so situated between three governments that I am obliged almost to turn into a cypher. It is to England I want to go, but dare not risk it. And it is there I should much prefer receiving you than here.