A fourth trial brought something nearer the mark.
"I'm afraid," he wrote, "a certain hasty act of mine, of which I ought before to have advised you, may slightly disturb your feelings.

Yet don't let it have that effect, for there is no occasion whatever.

Soon after leaving for the South, I wrote you to go to New York.

The next mail brought me letters that rendered such a visit unnecessary, and fearing a communication by mail might not reach you promptly, I returned rapidly, and hastened to Woodbine Lodge to see you.

Approaching your dwelling, I met Fanny, and learned from her that you had left for New York.