and the heavenly fire of his eye. No words can portray the
tenderness of his every movement and of every feature: no effort
of mine could do justice to the scene. His alarm lest I should
misconceive his position with regard to his mistress, or question
the propriety of her conduct, touched me particularly. The charming
manner with which he described her form and person, which, without
possessing the graces of youth, won and attached him to her, is
inexpressible, and must be left to the imagination. I have never
in my life witnessed or fancied or conceived the possibility of
such intense devotion, such ardent affections, united with so much
purity. Do not blame me if I say that the recollection of this
innocence and truth is deeply impressed upon my very soul; that
this picture of fidelity and tenderness haunts me everywhere; and
that my own heart, as though enkindled by the flame, glows and
burns within me.

I mean now to try and see her as soon as I can: or perhaps, on
second thoughts, I had better not; it is better I should behold
her through the eyes of her lover. To my sight, perhaps, she would
not appear as she now stands before me; and why should I destroy
so sweet a picture?

JUNE 16.

"Why do I not write to you?" You lay claim to learning, and ask
such a question. You should have guessed that I am well -- that
is to say -- in a word, I have made an acquaintance who has won
my heart: I have -- I know not.

To give you a regular account of the manner in which I have become