Now, in this bundle that I gave her, there were packed together not only all the letters of my false friend, but one or two of Mr.Campbell's when he was in town at the Assembly, and to make a complete roll of all that ever was written to me, Catriona's little word, and the two I had received from Miss Grant, one when I was on the Bass and one on board that ship.

But of these last I had no particular mind at the moment.
I was in that state of subjection to the thought of my friend that it mattered not what I did, nor scarce whether I was in her presence or out of it; I had caught her like some kind of a noble fever that lived continually in my bosom, by night and by day, and whether I was waking or asleep.

So it befell that after I was come into the fore-part of the ship where the broad bows splashed into the billows, I was in no such hurry to return as you might fancy; rather prolonged my absence like a variety in pleasure.

I do not think I am by nature much of an Epicurean; and there had come till then so small a share of pleasure in my way that I might be excused perhaps to dwell on it unduly.
When I returned to her again, I had a faint, painful impression as of a buckle slipped, so coldly she returned the packet.
"You have read them ?" said I; and I thought my voice sounded not wholly natural, for I was turning in my mind for what could ail her.
"Did you mean me to read all ?" she asked.
I told her "Yes," with a drooping voice.
"The last of them as well ?" said she.
I knew where we were now; yet I would not lie to her either.

"I gave them all without after-thought," I said, "as I supposed that you would read them.