"_September 21._

"Your letter has awakened in me a tumult of feelings which
cannot be described in writing.

"Of course my grandmother's action and the indirect malevolence
of Pasotti grieve me deeply, but your too violent indignation
is far more painful to me. When some one holding my
power-of-attorney presents himself at Brescia, payment cannot
be refused. It is true that you, a woman, are not expected to
know these things. I can also forgive your anger, for in the
beginning I myself was not unmoved. Then I asked myself: Why
are you indignant? Why are you surprised? Were you not already
acquainted with that evil spirit, and have you not already
suffered greater insult from it?

"I am most deeply grieved that you did not succeed in hiding
your feelings from Maria; I am deeply moved to learn that you
repented of this; and deeply thankful that you love the Lord in
the child, and that you have confessed as much to me. Indeed I
feel I should not be so overjoyed at this, for the heavens and
the earth are always inviting us to love God; He is visible in
every ray of light, and His voice may be heard in every truth.
But, at least, you are beginning to hear this voice! I have
never touched upon this subject in my letters because I feel I
am not capable of speaking worthily and efficaciously of it to
you. And now I shall let God Himself speak to you through the
child, and once more resume my silence. But remember, I am
waiting in suspense; I am hoping and praying.

"How can I express to you what I feel for Maria? Who could
describe this emotion, this immense tenderness, this consuming
desire to clasp her for a moment, only for one moment, to my
heart? Do you believe I shall be able to wait until November?
No, no, no! I will write, I will copy, I will do the work of
others, but I must come to Lugano sooner! Cover her with kisses
for me, and meanwhile, tell her that Papa carries his Maria in
his heart always, and that he sends her his blessing. Ask her
what she wishes me to bring her and let me know, without
thinking too much about my poverty.

"With my whole soul I embrace you, my Luisa.

"FRANCO."

LUISA TO FRANCO. "_September 24, 1855._