Beloved friend,
I could not think of any other solution to Catherine’s troubles, so I composed a letter to Mr. Dryden. Yes, Mr. Dryden! I think only he can save Catherine now.
Catherine received a note from LaFrance. Stevenson, that snake, has seen the unfinished portrait—which is apparently finished enough that Catherine is unmistakably recognizable. And while he has not wrested it away from LaFrance, he is prepared to tell his connections about it in hopes that it will generate commissions, from which he will earn a tidy profit.
This cannot happen!
I am going to plead with Mr. Dryden to help me. At one time he was willing to marry me. I have his ring. He is an honorable man, I know it. I will offer myself to him in exchange for help for Catherine.
I know this seems insane. But I thi
