The sooner it was done, the better.

Half a dozen contradictory moods passed over her during the composing of that letter; but to her they seemed but the unfolding of a single thought.

On one page it might have been his mother writing to him; an experienced, sagacious lady; quite aware, in spite of her affection for him, of his faults and weaknesses; solicitous that he should avoid the dangers of an embarrassing entanglement; his happiness being the only consideration of importance.

On others it might have been a queen laying her immutable commands upon some loyal subject, sworn to her service.

Part of it might have been written by a laughing philosopher who had learnt the folly of taking life too seriously, knowing that all things pass: that the tears of to-day will be remembered with a smile.