Voltaire begins by saying that he has not heard from the comtesse, neither from the Marquis Scipio Maffei nor of his Mérope. He adds that he will come to visit her as soon as his health allows him to leave the house, and notes that the comtesse has known for a long time of his ambitions. Voltaire concludes by saying that though he has been unfortunate so far, he hopes that his perseverance will be rewarded.