st thoughts was: how does she dress? Does she know how to
do her hair? Because, you know, most of the girls in our particular set
have the most weird notions as regards hair-dressing and frocks.

However, I can rely on the sureness of your taste, and if your wedding
trip takes you to Paris, she will see excellent models to copy.

Now I understand why your letters got fewer and farther between. How
long has the affair been on hand? Did it begin early in the summer? Or
did you start it in the train between Hoerlsholm and Helsingoer, on your
way to and from the factory? I only ask--you need not really trouble to
answer.

I can see from your letter that you felt some embarrassment, and
blushed when you wrote it. Every word reveals your state of mind; as
though you were obliged to give some account of yourself to me, or were
afraid I should take your news amiss. I have already drunk to your
happiness all by myself in a glass of champagne.

You can tell your young lady, if you like.

Under the circumstances you had better not accept the invitation I gave
you in my last letter; although I would give much to see your good, kind
face, rejuvenated, as it doubtless is, by this new happiness. But it
would not be wise. You know it is harder to catch and to keep a young
girl than a whole sackful of those lively, hopping little creatures
which are my horror.

Besides, a new idea has occurred to me, and I can hardly find patience
to wait for its realisation.

Guess, Richard!... I intend to take a trip round the world. I have
already written to Cook's offices, and am eagerly awaiting information
as to tickets, fares, etc. I shall not go alone. I have not courage
enough for that. I will take Jeanne with me. If I cannot manage it out
of my income, I shall break into my capital, even if I have to live on a
pittance hereafter.

No--do not make any more of your generous offers of help. You must not
give any more money now to "women." Remember that, Richard!

The White Villa will be shut up during my absence; it cannot take to
itself wings, nor eat its head off during my absence. Probably in future
I shall spend my time between this place and various big towns abroad,
so that I shall only be here in summer.

At the same time as this letter, I am sending a wedding present for your
new bride. Girls are always crazy about jewellery. I have no further use
for a diadem of brilliants; but you need not tell her where it comes
from. You w