d poverty?--I am
contented to do my part; and, even here, sufficient to escape from
wretchedness is not difficult to obtain. And, let me tell you, I have my
project also--and, if you do not soon return, the little girl and I will
take care of ourselves; we will not accept any of your cold
kindness--your distant civilities--no; not we.

This is but half jesting, for I am really tormented by the desire which
------ manifests to have you remain where you are.--Yet why do I talk to
you?--If he can persuade you--let him!--for, if you are not happier with
me, and your own wishes do not make you throw aside these eternal
projects, I am above using any arguments, though reason as well as
affection seems to offer them--if our affection be mutual, they will
occur to you--and you will act accordingly.

Since my arrival here, I have found the German lady, of whom you have
heard me speak. Her first child died in the month; but she has another,
about the age of my ------, a fine little creature. They are still but
contriving to live----earning their daily bread--yet, though they are
but just above poverty, I envy them.--She is a tender, affectionate
mother--fatigued even by her attention.--However she has an affectionate
husband in her turn, to render her care light, and to share her pleasure.

I will own to you that, feeling extreme tenderness for my little girl, I
grow sad very often when I am playing with her, that you are not here, to
observe with me how her mind unfolds, and her little heart becomes
attached!--These appear to me to be true pleasures--and still you suffer
them to escape you, in search of what we may never enjoy.--It is your own
maxim to "live in the present moment."--_If you do_--stay, for God's
sake; but tell me the truth--if not, tell me when I may expect to see
you, and let me not be always vainly looking for you, till I grow sick at
heart.

Adieu! I am a little hurt.--I must take my darling to my bosom to comfort
me.

* * * *

* * * * *

LETTER XXXI.

December 30.

SHOULD you receive three or four of the letters at once which I have
written lately, do not think of Sir John Brute, for I do not mean to wife
you. I only take advantage of every occasion, that one out of three of my
epistles may reach your hands, and inform you that I am not of ------'s
opinion, who talks till he makes me angry, of the necessity of your
staying two or three months longer. I do not like th