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I, who have so disinterested an affection for you, may increase

your miseries tenfold by being an obstacle to your wishes. Ah!

Victor, be assured that your cousin and playmate has too sincere

a love for you not to be made miserable by this supposition. Be

happy, my friend; and if you obey me in this one request, remain

satisfied that nothing on earth will have the power to interrupt

my tranquillity.

"Do not let this letter disturb you; do not answer tomorrow, or

the next day, or even until you come, if it will give you pain.

My uncle will send me news of your health, and if I see but one

smile on your lips when we meet, occasioned by this or any other

exertion of mine, I shall need no other happiness.

"Elizabeth Lavenza.

"Geneva, May 18th, 17-"