you, that it would even break my heart if you did not come!
For, Philip, a woman's heart is like the Scriptures, apparently full of
contradictions, but really it is the symbol of our everlasting truth, if
only you have the wisdom to understand it.

And another thing, Philip, the more I think of it, the more I am
scandalised by the way you drag that poor goblin child about. My heart
yearns for him and his solitude in the midst of your philosophies. You
have made a perfect jumping-jack of him for your lordly amusement, and it
isn't fair. Bring him with you to Morningtown. I charge you. And remember,
don't lose him or philosophise him out of existence on the way. I have
talked with father about the boy, and he is primed with religious zeal to
snatch this tender brand from your burning.

XXXVI

PHILIP TO JESSICA

Just a note, sweet lady, to bid you expect me on the afternoon train
Thursday--and is not that a long while from to-day? And please do not come
to the station. I would not have our meeting chilled by the curious eyes
of that station-master's wife; I remember the scrutiny of her gaze too
well. And as for our greeting--you have made a very pretty story out of
that, but have you not omitted Philip from the account? Is it not just
possible that he may mar all Jessica's nicely laid plans? I have a
suspicion that, in his crude masculine way, he may prefer to translate
into fact what Jessica finds so easy to contemplate in words. I feel a bit
uncertain as to how he will behave as a lover; the role is new to him, and
he may be awkward and a bit vehement.

Yes, I will bring Jack and leave him to be brooded under your kind
maternal feathers. You will love him for the pathos of his eyes and for
his quaint ways.

-----

[2] It is unnecessary to say that the spelling throughout
these letters has been corrected for the press.

[3] Alluding to a request not found in this correspondence.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Third Part

which shows how the editor again visits
Jessica in the country, and how love
is buffeted between philosophy
and religion.

XXXVII

PHILIP TO JESSICA

WRITTEN ON RETURNING FROM HIS VISIT TO MORNINGTOWN

Here I am back in my own room, in this solitude of books; and how
different is this home-coming from that other when I brought with me only
bitterness and despair!

Shall I tell you, sweetheart, some of the things