This, sir, is a story written by its owner, and she wanted me to put it in your hands, and she left you absolute freedom regarding it. You can read it or ignore it. If you are so kind and waste your time reading it, you can throw it in the fire, or keep it among your waste papers, or if you wish, spread it to people. If she is lucky enough to like you and publish it, she will be one of its readers, and you and no one else will know anything about its author. This, sir, is my letter, and this is the story in its file. I leave it in your hands, and I ask your permission to leave.