, I was pleased when Ernestine gave me evident proofs of her
friendship, when my appearance delighted her, when she was ready to
show me a book or piece of music, or told me how she had prepared
herself for a conversation with me on some important subject. This
genuine friendship seemed to me so desirable, that I anticipated great
delight at the thought that she would, in our married state, complete
the measure of our love by mutual confidence. Their aunt approved of
my engagement with Elizabeth, and our vows were exchanged. On this
occasion Ernestine was not present, being confined by illness to her
chamber. I did not see her on the day following, and when I wished to
call on her, my betrothed said, 'Do not disturb her, dear friend, she
is not quite herself, and it is better to let her passion subside.'
'What has happened?' I asked, astonished. 'It is strange,' replied
Elizabeth, 'that you have not, long ere this, remarked how ardently she
loves you?' I was struck dumb with terror and astonishment at this
information, which startled me the more, since, strange to say, I had
considered this intellectual being totally incapable of love; as though
passion did not always run counter to possibility, truth, nature, and
reason, if these opposed themselves, as, indeed, I had myself
experienced in my own life in a similar manner. 'Yes,' continued
Elizabeth, 'almost at the very time you entered our house, I remarked
her partiality to you, but her predilection manifested itself more
decidedly, when you began to show a preference for me, when you became
more friendly, and thus gained my confidence. For a long time, she
concealed her affection under a pretended dislike, which, however, did
not deceive me. Oh! beloved, the mind and feelings, the enthusiasm and
passions of this singular being possess such extraordinary power and
intensity, that I have been compelled ever since I comprehended her
character, to admire her as much as to fear her, and to stand in awe at
her gigantic intellect. When, some years ago, I took lessons in music,
and made rapid progress, according to the testimony of my instructor,
she only ridiculed my childlike satisfaction as she called it. She had
never before thought of learning music, and now devoted herself with
all her energy to this accomplishment. She practised day and night,
and her master no longer satisfying her, she availed herself of the
presence of a celebrated composer, and became his