I was not, however, to be fooled out of more money at this time, and went to bed in haste, full of vanous cogitations.
I have since spent a couple of days betwixt Mount Sharon and this place, and betwixt reading, writing to thee this momentous history, forming plans for seeing the lovely Lilias, and--partly, I think, for the sake of contradiction--angling a little in spite of Joshua'a scruples--though I am rather liking the amusement better as I begin to have some success in it.
And now, my dearest Alan, you are in full possession of my secret--let me as frankly into the recesses of your bosom.

How do you feel towards this fair ignis fatuus, this lily of the desert?
Tell me honestly; for however the recollection of her may haunt my own mind, my love for Alan Fairford surpasses the love of woman, I know, too, that when you DO love, it will be to Love once and love no more.
A deep-consuming passion, once kindled in a breast so steady as yours, would never be extinguished but with life.

I am of another and more volatile temper, and though I shall open your next with a trembling hand and uncertain heart, yet let it bring a frank confession that this fair unknown has made a deeper impression on your gravity than you reckoned for, and you will see I can tear the arrow from my own wound, barb and all.

In the meantime, though I have formed schemes once more to see her, I will, you may rely on it, take no step for putting them into practice.
I have refrained from this hitherto, and I give you my word of honour, I shall continue to do so; yet why should you need any further assurance from one who is so entirely yours as D.L.
PS .-- I shall be on thorns till I receive your answer.

I read, and re-read your letter, and cannot for my soul discover what your real sentiments are.