Strona 394 z 483

I resolved, therefore, that if my immediate union with my cousin

would conduce either to hers or my father's happiness, my

adversary's designs against my life should not retard it a single

hour.

In this state of mind I wrote to Elizabeth. My letter was calm

and affectionate. "I fear, my beloved girl," I said, "little

happiness remains for us on earth; yet all that I may one day

enjoy is centred in you. Chase away your idle fears; to you alone

do I consecrate my life and my endeavours for contentment. I have

one secret, Elizabeth, a dreadful one; when revealed to you, it

will chill your frame with horror, and then, far from being

surprised at my misery, you will only wonder that I survive what

I have endured. I will confide this tale of misery and terror to

you the day after our marriage shall take place, for, my sweet

cousin, there must be perfect confidence between us. But until

then, I conjure you, do not mention or allude to it. This I most

earnestly entreat, and I know you will comply."