1809. JEa:. 56.] COUNT EUMFORD. 97 



married life he was seriously ill. The nature of his ill- 

 ness is seen by the remedies that benefited him. 

 He told his daughter that the King of Bavaria, 

 having knowledge of his domestic discomforts, had re- 

 cently 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 dis- 

 sension, 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 Bumford 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 c 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 protec- 



H 



