If your French is not very pure, it is at least very clear! I give you my word of honor to become your wife in paradise, on condition, however, that you will not ogle the virgins too much while waiting for me; when I choose one for eternity, I want a husband who is faithful; do you hear, my dear papa?

I shall tell Maman tonight about your good intentions toward her; I fear, though, that if she plans to oppose my claims on you, it will arouse a kind of jealousy between us. I am willing to yield anything to my mother except you, my good papa.

I accept the kind of life you suggest for paradise: music, friends, of that I will never tire, however long eternity is. Among the people you propose that we have as society, there is one woman whose name I would cross out! I will whisper her name the first time that we find ourselves together with enough privacy. My papa, I am astonished that you have not yet guessed her name!—astonished, perhaps, that you are so fond of her! I say no more about it; my heart is open to you, and you will read it; your heart will keep my secret. You are my friend; that you have promised me; believe that your daughter is and always will be worthy of being loved by you, if only because of the deep and sincere tenderness that she has vowed to you for this life, and promises you in the next.

I write to you in haste; pardon the carelessness of my style and handwriting.