You were right, Paul: my taking you there WAS AN OMEN--not to you, who can never be anything but proud, beloved, and true--but to ME of all the shame and misery.

Thank you for all you have done--for all you would do, my friend, and don't think me ungrateful, only because I am unworthy of it.

Try to forgive me, but don't forget me, even if you must hate me.

Perhaps, if you knew all--you might still love a little the poor girl to whom you have already given the only name she can ever take from you--YERBA BUENA!".