Life of Count Rumford 521 



constant agitation of his mind and the irritable constitution with 

 which it is connected will necessarily prevent him from enjoy- 

 ing a regular state of good health ; but his life seems to be in no 

 danger. At his desire I always considered myself as your guar- 

 dian, in case you should want one. And since I knew you, my 

 own inclination prompts me to do everything which I had be- 

 fore undertaken out of friendship for him. The Count assures 

 me that he will write to you before he sets out for Germany. 

 I thank you for your kind remembrance, whether kept within 

 your own breast, or expressed on the bark of trees, or in the 

 naming of places. Be assured of the constant regard and friend- 

 ship with which I am affectionately yours." 



Under date of August 8, 1803, the Knight writes to 

 the Countess from London : 



" When my letter of last June was written, I thought your 

 father pretty much fixed at Munich, and therefore ventured to 

 suggest to you that it might contribute to your happiness if you 

 were to be established at that court. But I learn since that the 

 Elector has set him more at his liberty, and that in consequence 

 he intends to return to England this autumn. Political diffi- 

 culties may possibly stand in the way of this journey, but he 

 hopes to avoid them. I am still as much at a loss as I was in 

 June, to answer your question whether your father be going to 

 marry. He is now, as I told you in that letter, making the tour 

 of Switzerland with a very amiable French lady. But I have 

 no reason to think that they have any idea of a matrimonial 

 connection. When the Count comes to England, she is to 

 return to Paris ; at least, so he writes me word. 



" Your present situation, I believe, is approved by your 

 father, for in one of his letters last winter he mentioned that 

 he was better satisfied with your conduct than ever. I wish it 

 made you happier, but am not surprised at the kind of listless- 

 ness which your letter so strongly expresses without removing 

 it. Such good affections as yours ought to be placed. On this 

 subject, however, I will not repeat what I expressed so fully in 

 my letter of last June. 



