We have never been separated since that time.

I could hardly be fonder of her if she were my own daughter; and she returns my affection with all her heart.

She has excellent qualities--prudent, cheerful, sweet-tempered; with good sense enough to understand what her place is in the world, as distinguished from her place in my regard.

I have taken care, for her own sake, never to leave that part of the question in any doubt.

It would be cruel kindness to deceive her as to her future position when she marries.