This reporter has to admit that if Mr. Thiroux is constantly subjected to such disgusting displays as what we saw in the courtroom yesterday from both women, then it is not at all shocking the man has descended into the bottle. In fact, if he has such an effect on women as to find them wrapped around his kneecaps on a regular basis, it is simply astonishing that he hasn’t yet taken a knife to his own flesh to remove himself from such ludicrous feminine hysterics.

Mrs. Jane Gallier
117 Esplanade Avenue
New Orleans, Louisiana

Mr. Jonathon Thiroux 34 Royal Street New Orleans, Louisiana

10 January, 1850

Mr. Thiroux,

After reading, with much dismay and disgust, of the events in the courtroom yesterday at your rather unfortunatetrial, I must confess myself horrified and betrayed.Yes, betrayed. I had thought, sir, that while you are of a passionate nature (as is true with all men of your artistic ilk), those inclinations were contained to your canvases and myself. Imagine the distress, the humiliation,the devastation, I felt upon reading in print for all to see the company with which you have been consorting.

If you have such little respect and regard for me, then I think it is best if we no longer see one another. To that purpose, I will have my butler deny you entrance when I am at home, and I am also returning the lock of hair that I snipped from your head as you slept. I cannot bear the sight of its angelic strands one minute longer, as it only amplifies my weeping, and contributes to the shattering of my generous heart.

One day I hope you will live to regret that which you have lost.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Jane Gallier

Mrs. Jane Gallier
117 Esplanade Avenue
New Orleans, Louisiana

Mr. Jonathon Thiroux
34 Royal Street
New Orleans, Louisiana

11 January, 1850

My Dearest John,

Please disregard my irrational letter you received yesterday.I do not know what came over me, and I have regrettedmy action every minute since the vile missive left my possession. Pray tell me you’ll forgive me, and visit me today, as I am devastatingly lonely for you. As an olive branch, I have procured your favorite vintage for your enjoyment.

Please say you’ll be over, and that you forgive me. I cannot bear the thought of never seeing you again, and I wait most anxiously for your arrival, and hope that when you are back in my presence, allowing me to make amends for my harsh words, you will return the lock of hair to me that I so impudently returned.

Please, John, dearest, please make haste and come to me today.

Your ever loving and most ardently devoted,

Jane

Sara was looking better. There was color in her cheeks and her back was straight, head high. In fact, Gabriel would almost argue it was the best he’d ever seen her look, calm and animated. As if after seeing the photos, hitting the bottom of the barrel and almost drowning in the dregs of her fear, she had climbed out with a whole new determination to not live her life that way.