This I shall always do, however unconfiding you prove.' II.
Without knowing it, Somerset was drawing near to a crisis in this soft correspondence which would speedily put his assertions to the test; but the knowledge came upon him soon enough for his peace.
Her next letter, dated March 9th, was the shortest of all he had received, and beyond the portion devoted to the building-works it contained only the following sentences:-- 'I am almost angry with you, George, for being vexed because I am not more effusive.

Why should the verbal I LOVE YOU be ever uttered between two beings of opposite sex who have eyes to see signs?
During the seven or eight months that we have known each other, you have discovered my regard for you, and what more can you desire?
Would a reiterated assertion of passion really do any good?
Remember it is a natural instinct with us women to retain the power of obliging a man to hope, fear, pray, and beseech as long as we think fit, before we confess to a reciprocal affection.
'I am now going to own to a weakness about which I had intended to keep silent.

It will not perhaps add to your respect for me.

My uncle, whom in many ways I like, is displeased with me for keeping up this correspondence so regularly.

I am quite perverse enough to venture to disregard his feelings; but considering the relationship, and his kindness in other respects, I should prefer not to do so at present.
Honestly speaking, I want the courage to resist him in some things.