t that I am driving towards you in
person! My mind, unfettered, has flown to you long since, or rather has
never left you.

I am well, and have no apprehension that I shall find the journey too
fatiguing, when I follow the lead of my heart.--With my face turned to
H--my spirits will not sink--and my mind has always hitherto enabled my
body to do whatever I wished.

Yours affectionately

* * * *

* * * * *

LETTER XVIII.

H--, Thursday Morning, March 12.

WE are such creatures of habit, my love, that, though I cannot say I was
sorry, childishly so, for your going, when I knew that you were to stay
such a short time, and I had a plan of employment; yet I could not
sleep.--I turned to your side of the bed, and tried to make the most of
the comfort of the pillow, which you used to tell me I was churlish
about; but all would not do.--I took nevertheless my walk before
breakfast, though the weather was not very inviting--and here I am,
wishing you a finer day, and seeing you peep over my shoulder, as I
write, with one of your kindest looks--when your eyes glisten, and a
suffusion creeps over your relaxing features.

But I do not mean to dally with you this morning--So God bless you! Take
care of yourself--and sometimes fold to your heart your affectionate

* * * *

* * * * *

LETTER XIX.

DO not call me stupid, for leaving on the table the little bit of paper I
was to inclose.--This comes of being in love at the fag-end of a letter
of business.--You know, you say, they will not chime together.--I had got
you by the fire-side, with the _gigot_ smoking on the board, to lard your
poor bare ribs--and behold, I closed my letter without taking the paper
up, that was directly under my eyes!--What had I got in them to render me
so blind?--I give you leave to answer the question, if you will not
scold; for I am

Yours most affectionately

* * * *

* * * * *

LETTER XX.

Sunday, August 17.

-- -- -- -- -- -- --
-- -- -- -- -- -- --
-- -- -- -- -- -- --

I have promised ------ to go with him to his country-house, where he is
now permitted to dine--I, and the little darling, to be sure[47-A]--whom
I cannot help kissing with more fondness, since you left us. I think I
shall enjoy the fine prospect, and that it will rather enliven, than
satiate my imagination.

I h