To use an expression of Madame de Sevigne, who wrote about the same time, "there was a
postscript to the letter;" and the most important part of the letter was contained in the
postscript.
"Ah, true," said Monte Cristo "there is a
postscript."
It was not in human nature--perhaps I ought to say it was not in the nature of a man who was in my situation--to refrain from showing some curiosity, on being asked to supplement a letter of recommendation by such a
postscript as this.
After an interval an endless interval, as it seemed to me--of ten days more, I received a second letter from my old friend, with another
postscript added by Mr.
Bennet sent them word that they could not possibly have the carriage before Tuesday; and in her
postscript it was added, that if Mr.
"The epistle is laconic," said D'Artagnan; "and if there had not been a
postscript, probably I should not have understood it; but happily there is a
postscript."
"Your word will go the furthest, John," said the master, "for Sir Clifford adds in a
postscript, `If I could find a man trained by your John I should like him better than any other;' so, James, lad, think it over, talk to your mother at dinner-time, and then let me know what you wish."
The letter presenting this information added no new facts to the facts already known, but one very remarkable paragraph was contained in the
postscript. It referred to Anne Catherick.
I knew one that, when he wrote a letter, he would put that, which was most material, in the
postscript, as if it had been a by-matter.
She had added a
postscript in which she stated, "I like your sonnet very much."
It was a silly, harmless letter, and Anne would have laughed over it had it not been for the
postscript. "Gilbert seems to be enjoying Redmond, judging from his letters," wrote Ruby.
To her aunt's surprise, just as she was about to close the envelope Isabel stepped forward, and inconsistently requested leave to add a
postscript to the very letter which she had refused to write!