ced my beloved Anna, I was scudding
over the waters of the lake, slowly--too slowly for my impatience,
as I wished to be able to give wings to my fragile skiff, and to
traverse the distance that separated me from my brother as rapidly as
my thoughts: no journey ever appeared to me so long, and nevertheless
my two robust rowers exerted all their strength to favour my wishes. At
length I arrived, and immediately hastened to my brother-in-law's,
and there I threw myself into Henry's arms. Our emotions were such
that for some time we could not speak; the abundant tears we shed
alone showed the joy of our hearts. When the first transport was
over, I asked him questions beyond number. Not one member of my
family was forgotten; the smallest details concerning these beloved
beings were to me of the greatest interest. We passed the remainder
of the day and the following night in incessant and interesting
conversation. The next day we started for Jala-Jala. Henry was eager
to become acquainted with his sister-in-law, and I to make the dear
companion of my life a sharer in my happiness. Excellent Anna! my joy
was joy for you--my happiness was your delight! You received Henry
as a brother, and this sisterly attachment was always, on your part,
as sincere as your affection for me had ever been.

After a few days spent in the most agreeable conversation about
France, and about all those beloved friends who remained there,
feelings of sadness that I could with difficulty repress became
intermingled with my joy. I thought of our numerous family, so far
distant, and so scattered over the globe. My youngest brother was,
to my great regret, dead at Madagascar. My second brother, Robert,
resided at Porto-Rico; and my two brothers-in-law, both captains of
vessels, engaged in long voyages, were gone to the Indies. My poor
mother and my poor sisters were alone, without protectors, without
support: what sad moments of fear and anxiety you must have spent in
your solitude! Ah! how I should have rejoiced to have you near me; but,
alas! a whole world separated us, and the hope of seeing you again
one day could alone scatter the clouds that darkened occasionally
the happy days adorned by the presence of my brother.

After some time of rest, Henry asked to join me in my labours. I then
made him acquainted with my mode of cultivation, and he took upon
himself the management of the plantations and of their products. I
reserved to myself the regulat