‘I have not replied sooner to the letter you gave yourself the trouble to write, because at the time you were writing sweet things to me, you wrote to your protégé Morande in such a way as to shake the phial or rather the pitcher of venom he carries in his breast. This was neither honourable nor fair. You even urged him to write libellous matter against me in the papers.’... Then in his old spirit of derision: ‘You, personally, have never been odious to me as you suppose; it was your conduct, your speech, your actions, your letters to Lord Ferrers and to myself that were odious to me. Good-night, too dear M. de Beaumarchais; it is two o’clock in the morning, I am tired and am going to bed inveighing against all those men who have treated me so badly, and above all, you yourself, who I truly esteemed and loved, and who have exasperated me beyond measure by your own and Morande’s behaviour....’ [Sidenote: TRIAL ON THE LEGALITY OF SEX POLICIES.] In ever increasing anxiety to make his escape out of the difficulties and threatening dangers by which he was surrounded, the Chevalier applied to the Minister for Foreign Affairs to ask whether he might rely upon the Government for protection, it being his intention to return shortly to France. ‘... Had you not, Mademoiselle,’ replied the unflinching de Vergennes, ‘abandoned yourself to feelings of mistrust, which, I am persuaded, you did not maturely consider, you might have been enjoying for some time past, in your own country, that tranquillity which should now, more than ever, be the object of your desires. If you are seriously thinking of returning, the way is still open to you, and you know the conditions imposed. The most absolute reserve on the past; every precaution to be taken to avoid meeting those persons whom you regard as being the cause of your misfortunes; and, finally, the resumption of the garments of your sex. You can no longer hesitate, seeing the publicity given to this in England. You are doubtlessly aware that our laws do not tolerate such disguises. I have only to add that if, after a trial, you do not feel at home in France, there will be no objection to your proceeding elsewhere to suit your own pleasure. I have written the above in conformity with the King’s orders. Let me add that the safe-conduct with which you have been supplied suffices, so that you may now do as you please. If you decide upon pursuing a wise course, I will congratulate you; otherwise, I shall only be able to pity you for not responding to the good master who offers you a helping hand. Set your mind at rest, because when in France you will be able to communicate with me directly, without the intercession of any person.’[326]