GARDEN EBOLOGY. 101 



assembly that ever existed, that did not play ducks and 

 drakes with flat stones, have abolished all the titles ! ! ! 

 without any exceptions. But, I add, that if it or they 

 had not done it, I would do it on my own authority 

 and responsibility without paying any dispense to the 

 Pope ! When I write to your son, I address my 

 letters as the French politeness requires it " Monsieur 

 Montgenet." He has never complained of it, but if 

 he does, I am very sorry, but I cannot help it. I must 

 abide to the laws, although I have little respect for 

 many of them. 



My friends ! from what I have told you of my be- 

 havior in that convent I have been thinking, on reflex- 

 ions, that you might be impressed with the idea (and 

 I am slightly afraid of it) that my doings there were 

 not very exemplary, if I have not exaggerated one way 

 or the other. I have not; all I have told, recounted 

 to you, has been to the letter except in writing. I 

 have selected my expressions but I did not change the 

 meaning of the facts or circumstances in any way or 

 manner. If I had always acted as I have told you, 

 notwithstanding they cared for me, I could not have 

 remained there over six years. The life of humanity 

 is somewhat like the atmosphere we live in, change- 

 able. For a certain lapse of time we have fine, bright 

 weather, then suddenly we get cloudy, stormy, rough 



