Letters from A.R.E., Fifth of Seven, 25 May 18--

Mon ami, I cannot tell you how astonished I was to receive a letter from you.  Your perpetual silence seemed to be indicative of the truth I was unwilling to believe.  Forgive me then for my reproofs of long ago.  They were scornfully made, but I am afraid that no matter our wishes, the outcome must be as I have expressed previously.  Please do not be saddened by this answer that I am sure you were expecting, even as you were writing to me in apparent haste.  You know as well as I the misadventures that would follow us because of who we are, with nothing else considered, which would complicate our unique predicament.  I am sorry for being so foolish. --A.R.E.