I saw life through the medium of purifying admiration for a gifted nature, and a profound and generous soul.

I fancied we might be ever thus--each to each;--one strengthened, assured, supported by the other.

Nay, I even contemplated with pleasure the prospect of your future marriage with another--of loving your wife--of contributing with her to your happiness--my imagination made me forget that we are made of clay.

Suddenly all these visions were dispelled--the fairy palace was overthrown, and I found myself awake, and on the brink of the abyss--you loved me, and in the moment of that fatal confession, the mask dropped from my soul, and I felt that you had become too dear to me.

Be silent still, I implore you.