On the other hand, however, he could not live without me, and if I did not return his love he was resolved to put a bullet through his brain.

Of course I instantly saw him with a bullet-hole in his forehead, and shed tears for the poor young man.

I did not want anybody to die for my sake.

I pictured to myself how beautiful it would be to make a young man, without fortune or position, with nothing but his love for me, happy, rich, and great by the gift of my hand.

I showed the letter to my mother, and asked her what was to be done.