Страница 388 из 483

Explanation! You may possibly say, What can Elizabeth have to

explain? If you really say this, my questions are answered and

all my doubts satisfied. But you are distant from me, and it is

possible that you may dread and yet be pleased with this

explanation; and in a probability of this being the case, I dare

not any longer postpone writing what, during your absence, I have

often wished to express to you but have never had the courage to

begin.