'My interference, innocent as it was,' she wrote, 'has already been
productive of such deplorable results, that I cannot and dare not stir any
further in the case of Ferrari. If I had not consented to let that
unfortunate man refer to me by name, the late Lord Montbarry would never have
engaged him, and his wife would have been spared the misery and suspense
from which she is suffering now. I would not even look at the report to
which you allude if it was placed in my hands — I have heard more than
enough already of that hideous life in the palace at Venice. If Mrs. Ferrari
chooses to address herself to Lady Barville (with your assistance), that is
of course quite another thing. But, even in this case, I must make it a
positive condition that my name shall not be mentioned. Forgive me, dear
Mr. Troy! I am very unhappy, and very unreasonable — but I am only a
woman, and you must not expect too much from me.'
