My Dear Countess
I have acted wrongly, it is true – Forgive me. If I offended you, it was certainly not due to deliberate wickedness on my part – Only since yesterday evening have I really understood how things are; and I am very sorry that I behaved as I did – Read your note calmly, and then judge for yourself whether I have deserved it and whether you have not paid me back sixfold for all I have done, seeing that I offended you without wishing to do so. Do return my note today and do write just one word to say that you are fond of me again. If you don’t do this I shall suffer infinite pain. I shall be unable to do anything if this state of affairs is to continue – I am awaiting your forgiveness.