have had my share since your
departure? Is it not possible to enter into business, as an employment
necessary to keep the faculties awake, and (to sink a little in the
expressions) the pot boiling, without suffering what must ever be
considered as a secondary object, to engross the mind, and drive
sentiment and affection out of the heart?

I am in a hurry to give this letter to the person who has promised to
forward it with ------'s. I wish then to counteract, in some measure,
what he has doubtless recommended most warmly.

Stay, my friend, whilst it is _absolutely_ necessary.--I will give you no
tenderer name, though it glows at my heart, unless you come the moment
the settling the _present_ objects permit.--_I do not consent_ to your
taking any other journey--or the little woman and I will be off, the Lord
knows where. But, as I had rather owe every thing to your affection, and,
I may add, to your reason, (for this immoderate desire of wealth, which
makes ------ so eager to have you remain, is contrary to your principles
of action), I will not importune you.--I will only tell you, that I long
to see you--and, being at peace with you, I shall be hurt, rather than
made angry, by delays.--Having suffered so much in life, do not be
surprised if I sometimes, when left to myself, grow gloomy, and suppose
that it was all a dream, and that my happiness is not to last. I say
happiness, because remembrance retrenches all the dark shades of the
picture.

My little one begins to show her teeth, and use her legs--She wants you
to bear your part in the nursing business, for I am fatigued with dancing
her, and yet she is not satisfied--she wants you to thank her mother for
taking such care of her, as you only can.

Yours truly

* * * *

* * * * *

LETTER XXX.

December 29.

THOUGH I suppose you have later intelligence, yet, as ------ has just
informed me that he has an opportunity of sending immediately to you, I
take advantage of it to inclose you
-- -- -- -- -- -- --

How I hate this crooked business! This intercourse with the world, which
obliges one to see the worst side of human nature! Why cannot you be
content with the object you had first in view, when you entered into this
wearisome labyrinth?--I know very well that you have imperceptibly been
drawn on; yet why does one project, successful or abortive, only give
place to two others? Is it not sufficient to avoi