wever, I recovered my health; but a neglected cold, and continual
inquietude during the last two months, have reduced me to a state
of weakness I never before experienced. Those who did not know that
the canker-worm was at work at the core cautioned me about suckling
my child too long. God preserve this poor child, and render her
happier than her mother!

"But I am wandering from my subject; indeed, my head turns giddy,
when I think that all the confidence I have had in the affection of
others is come to this. I did not expect this blow from you. I
have done my duty to you and my child; and if I am not to have any
return of affection to reward me, I have the sad consolation of
knowing that I deserved a better fate. My soul is weary; I am sick
at heart; and but for this little darling I would cease to care
about a life which is now stripped of every charm.

"You see how stupid I am, uttering declamation when I meant simply
to tell you that I consider your requesting me to come to you as
merely dictated by honor. Indeed, I scarcely understand you. You
request me to come, and then tell me that you have not given up all
thoughts of returning to this place.

"When I determined to live with you, I was only governed by
affection. I would share poverty with you, but I turn with affright
from the sea of trouble on which you are entering. I have certain
principles of action; I know what I look for to found my happiness
on. It is not money. With you, I wished for sufficient to procure
the comforts of life; as it is, less will do. I can still exert
myself to obtain the necessaries of life for my child, and she does
not want more at present. I have two or three plans in my head to
earn our subsistence; for do not suppose that, neglected by you, I
will lie under obligations of a pecuniary kind to you! No; I would
sooner submit to menial service. I wanted the support of your
affection; that gone, all is over! I did not think, when I
complained of ----'s contemptible avidity to accumulate money, that
he would have dragged you into his schemes.

"I cannot write. I enclose a fragment of a letter, written soon
after your departure, and another which tenderness made me keep
back when it was written. You will see then the sentiments of a
calmer, though not a mo