Her excitement brought on an attack of asthma, to which she was subject.

When she had recovered her composure, she read the following letter in French: "Madame la Comtesse, "The Christian feelings with which your heart is filled give me the, I feel, unpardonable boldness to write to you.

I am miserable at being separated from my son.

I entreat permission to see him once before my departure.

Forgive me for recalling myself to your memory.