prudence. Pray avoid the night air, for my sake, who could not live if
any evil befell you; and be careful in your diet. You were not looking so
well as usual when I left. Would I had words to make you know your own
value. Then you would feel it a _duty_ to be prudent.

"But I must not sadden you with my fears; let me turn to my hopes. How
bright they are! what joy, what happiness, is sailing toward me, nearer
and nearer every day! I ask myself what am I that such paradise should be
mine.

"My love, when we are one, shall we share every thought, or shall I keep
commerce, speculation, and its temptations away from your pure spirit?
Sometimes I think I should like to have neither thought nor occupation
unshared by you; and that you would purify trade itself by your contact;
at other times I say to myself, 'Oh, never soil that angel with your
miserable business; but go home to her as if you were going from earth to
heaven, for a few blissful hours.' But you shall decide this question,
and every other.

"Must I close this letter? Must I say no more, though I have scarcely
begun?

"Yes, I will end, since, perhaps, you will never see it.

"When I have sealed it, I mean to hold it in my clasped hands, and so
pray the Almighty to take it safe to you, and to bring you safe to him
who can never know peace nor joy till he sees you once more.

"Your devoted and anxious lover,