Pagina 394 van 817

"In such cases as this, it is, I believe, the established mode to

express a sense of obligation for the sentiments avowed, however

unequally they may be returned. It is natural that obligation

should be felt, and if I could feel gratitude, I would now thank

you. But I cannot--I have never desired your good opinion, and

you have certainly bestowed it most unwillingly. I am sorry to

have occasioned pain to anyone. It has been most unconsciously

done, however, and I hope will be of short duration. The feelings

which you tell me have long prevented the acknowledgment of your

regard can have little difficulty in overcoming it after this

explanation."