254 THE PRINCESS OF WALES [1814. 



that my most earnest and anxious advice may be 

 listened to, and may be the means of preventing 

 incalculable mischief both to your Eoyal Highness 

 and to the Princess Charlotte. Your Koyal Highness 

 is aware of the strong opinion which I have always 

 held upon the subject of your departure from this 

 country. It is now, I fear, too late to renew the 

 discussion ; but I should betray my duty most shame- 

 fully if I did not implore your Eoyal Highness to take 

 especial care, even in appearance, to avoid any arrange- 

 ments which may look like the forerunner of a long 

 absence. I know your Eoyal Highness can only intend 

 to pay a visit to the Continent, and make a tour there 

 anything else would indeed be full of danger ; but the 

 reports already so industriously spread of a permanent 

 change of residence, and so eagerly caught at by your 

 Eoyal Highnesses enemies and those of the Princess 

 Charlotte, clearly show the absolute necessity of avoid- 

 ing whatever may tend to encourage such rumours. 

 Depend upon it, Madam, there are many persons who 

 now begin to see a chance of divorcing your Eoyal 

 Highness from the Prince. I speak plainly, because 

 it is necessary for your own safety and your daughter's 

 succession to the crown that your Eoyal Highness 

 should hear the truth, and look upon danger in the 

 face. As long as you remain in this country I will 

 answer for it that no plot can succeed against you. 

 But if you are living abroad, and surrounded by the 

 base spies and tools who will be always planted about 

 you, ready to invent and to swear as they may be 

 directed, who can pretend to say what may happen, 

 especially after your absence shall have lessened the 

 number and weakened the zeal of your friends ? 



