Lord Hartledon was not the only husband who has been disagreeably
astonished by a similar metamorphosis.
The following was the letter of the countess-dowager:
"Darling Maude,
"I have _secured_ the _house_ you write about and send by this _post_
for Hedges and a few of the rest from _Hartledon_. It won't accommodate
a large _establishment_ I can tell you and you'll be _disappointed_
when you come over to take _possession_ which you can do when you
_choose_. Val was a _fool_ for letting his town house in the spring but
of course we know he is _one_ and must put up with it. Whatever you
_do_, don't _consult_ him about _any earthly thing_ take _your own
way_, he never did have _much_ of a will and you must let him _have
none_ for the future. You've got a splendid _chance_ can spend _what
you like_ and rule in _society_ and he'll subside into a _tame
spaniel_.
"Maude if you are such an idiot I'll _shake_ you. Find you've made a
_dredful_ mistake?--can't bear your husband?--keep thinking always of
_Edward_? A child might write such utter _rubish_ but not you, what
does it matter whether one's husband is _liked_ or _disliked_, provided
he gives one _position_ and _wealth_? Go to Amiens and stop with _Jane_
for a _week_ and see her _plight_ and then grumble at your own, you
_are_ an idiot.
"I'm quite _glad_ about your taking this town-_house_, and shall enter
into _posession_ myself as soon as the servants are up, and await you.
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