The passion which they mutually entertained quickly broke those bounds which extreme youth had set to it; confessions were made or extorted, and their union was postponed only till my brother had passed his minority.

The previous lapse of two years was constantly and usefully employed.
O my brother! But the task I have set myself let me perform with steadiness.

The felicity of that period was marred by no gloomy anticipations.

The future, like the present, was serene.

Time was supposed to have only new delights in store.