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"The expression of your sentiments of this subject, my dear

Victor, gives me more pleasure than I have for some time

experienced. If you feel thus, we shall assuredly be happy,

however present events may cast a gloom over us. But it is this

gloom which appears to have taken so strong a hold of your mind

that I wish to dissipate. Tell me, therefore, whether you object

to an immediate solemnisation of the marriage. We have been

unfortunate, and recent events have drawn us from that everyday

tranquillity befitting my years and infirmities. You are younger;

yet I do not suppose, possessed as you are of a competent

fortune, that an early marriage would at all interfere with any

future plans of honour and utility that you may have formed. Do

not suppose, however, that I wish to dictate happiness to you or

that a delay on your part would cause me any serious uneasiness.

Interpret my words with candour and answer me, I conjure you,

with confidence and sincerity."