98 THE KOYAL INSTITUTION. [CHAP. II. 



tion, and in these terrible times of war you cannot be too 

 particular. This unfortunate war chains me to the spot, 

 for I am so situated between three governments that I am 

 obliged almost to turn into a cypher. It is to England I 

 want to go, but dare not risk it. And it is there I should 

 much prefer receiving you than here. 



By the date of^ this letter you will perceive it to be the 

 anniversary of my wedding-day with Madame Lavoisier 

 to-day four years. I own I make choice of this day to 

 write to you, in reality to testify joy, but joy that I am 

 away from her, as has been the case for the last six months. 

 It would be difficult to describe what I suffered there for 

 the last year. I often wished for you, but am now ex- 

 ceedingly glad you did not come, as it would have made 

 you unhappy and perhaps have done me no good. I was 

 made quite ill at last, but now, thank Heaven, I am re- 

 covering my health and spirits fast. I am like one risen 

 from the dead. Adieu, my dear child. You will hear 

 from me soon again, and I hope to see you soon. I have 

 some pretty rooms prepared for you. I had one of the 

 Aichners to come and wait upon you, but she did not 

 exactly please me, and I sent her back again. My old 

 servants, her father and mother, are nicely established, 

 owing to mine and the Elector's kindness, at Munich, and 

 are very happy. 



Auteuil, November 12, 1809. 



MY DEAR DAUGHTER, Here is another month past, and 

 you do not come. I know all the difficulties of travelling 

 either by sea or by land, so do not blame you ; am only 

 sorry. Sorry on several accounts on one account that 

 I want to see you. For do you recollect, my dear, that it 

 is many years since we saw each other ? We will not say 

 how many, lest the time should seem longer. And little 

 did I think, when you quitted me at Brompton, it would 

 have been for such a length of time, nor would it have 

 been but for this unfortunate marriage. Never were there 



