I am not only grateful for all that you have been to me and done for me, but I have a feeling that goes beyond mere gratitude.

But to say that I return the love you profess for me--that I even entertain any feeling resembling it--I can not, and certainly not at this time." "But you certainly do not love any one else ?" "O, I beg of you not to question me." "I know I have no right to ask you such a question.

I have no right to pry into any matter which you do not choose to reveal to me of your own free will and accord.

But as all the mail of the hospital goes through my hands, I could not help noticing that in all the months that you have been here you have written to no man, nor received a letter from one.
Upon this I have built my hopes that you were heartfree." "I can not talk of this, nor of anything now.

I am so wrought up by many things that have happened--by my letter from home; by your unexpected declaration--that my poor brain is in a whirl, and I can not think clearly and connectedly on any subject.