"Two o'clock, Tuesday Morning.
"My dear Lord,
"Although strongly persuaded that the story must be either an
entire fabrication, or so gross an exaggeration as to be nearly so;
yet, in order to be able to discover the truth beyond all doubt,
and to set your mind quite at rest, I have taken the determination
to go myself to Lucca this morning. Should it prove less false than
I am convinced it is, I shall not fail to exert myself in _every
way_ that I can imagine may have any success. Be assured of this.
"Your Lordship's most truly,
"* *.
"P.S. To prevent _bavardage_, I prefer going in person to sending
my servant with a letter. It is better for you to mention nothing
(except, of course, to Shelley) of my excursion. The person I visit
there is one on whom I can have every dependence in every way, both
as to authority and truth."
* * * * *