I have come to the end of my days without having ever revealed
to any one a secret which directly concerns you and me.
This is the secret. The day you were born of a person I must
not name, and who has already passed into the next world, a boy
was also born to me. I was requested to make an exchange, and,
in view of my circumstances at that time, I consented after
reiterated and advantageous proposals; and it was then that
I adopted you as my daughter, as in the same way my son was
adopted by the other party.
I see that Heaven has made up for my fault, since you have been
placed in a better position than your father’s, although he was
of almost similar rank; and it is this that enables me to end
my life in something of peace.
Keep this in your possession, so that I may not be held totally
guilty. Yes, while begging your forgiveness for my sin, I ask
you, if you please, to keep it hidden, so that the world may
not be set talking over a matter that cannot be remedied.
Even this letter will not be sent to you till after my death.