The writer humbly apologises to a lady, calling himself unworthy of her and her grandmother’s kindness. He praises the grandmother’s generosity, which has extended even to helping his craftsmen, though he feels too ashamed to address her directly after past criticisms. He encloses an article on the soul, inviting the lady to burn it if she dislikes it, and jokes about his ignorance on the subject.

He recounts how he once defended nine impoverished Huguenots from the Jesuits, who had tried to seize their property, and expresses satisfaction at having thwarted them. One of these Huguenots now seeks a favour at Versailles, but the writer refuses to trouble the grandmother to intercede, feeling he has already abused her benevolence.

He gratefully acknowledges that all the pleasures of his later life stem from the lady’s introduction to her grandmother, whose friendship and conversation he deeply values. He ends with a tender, self-deprecating farewell, wishing to serve her until his last breath despite his inability to be of use.