At length, Horatio (for so I shall call my new friend) returned, and telling me I had nothing to fear, delivered into my hands a billet containing these words.
"Madam, "As I understand it is of consequence to your peace, I take this liberty to inform you, that the wounds I received from Horatio are not mortal.

This satisfaction my humanity could not deny, even to a person who has endeavoured to disturb the repose as well as the life of "Lothario." 'Being well acquainted with this hand, I had no reason to suspect an imposition in this letter, which I read over and over with a transport of joy, and caressed Horatio so much that he appeared the happiest man alive.

Thus was I won from despair by the menaces of a greater misfortune than that which depressed me.

Griefs are like usurpers,--the most powerful deposes all the rest.

But my raptures were not lasting: that very letter which in a manner re-established my tranquillity, in a little time banished my peace.