245. From a Lady to Her Fiancé of Whom She is Jealous.
W——, May 18, 19—.
My Dear Charles:—
May I hope that you will not think me foolishly exacting if I say that you have pained and hurt me by the attentions you so constantly offer to Mrs. Dunstable? I do not suppose you mean to vex me, and have no doubt it is more her fault than yours, but still I wish you would be a little less empressé in your manner to her. You will think perhaps that I am jealous; it is not quite that, but yet I have a sort of feeling that you ought not to be so nice to her. You will not be angry with me for saying this, dear Charles; it is my great love for you that causes me to attach such importance to every look and word of yours, and to feel reluctant that other women should share them with me. You must not say that this argues a want of trust in you unworthy of us both; indeed, I do trust you, otherwise my self-respect would not allow me to write so frank a letter as this one is. Perhaps I have only to tell you what is in my heart for you to give me no further cause for—shall I say jealousy? although I have tried to leave this unpleasant word out of this letter.
Always, dear Charles,
Your loving
Laura.
246. Answer to the Above (Protesting).
W——, May 19, 19—.
My Dear Laura:—