Is it not better, in a matter that concerns the happiness of two lives, to undo a mistake at any cost than to wait until too late? We thought once that we truly loved each other, but we have found, during the period of our engagement, that in many grave respects we are not congenial. Our tastes, our aims in life, our ideals are so diverse, that I believe our union could not be perfectly happy. When you review in your mind the occurrences of the past months, I am sure you will agree with me. It is not necessary to place the blame. Perhaps there has been no fault but hastiness. Considering everything, I would suggest that our engagement cease by mutual consent, and our friendship continue as far as seems agreeable and natural. We shall have many pleasant memories and some sad ones in common. The latter, in time, will be forgotten.
Yours sincerely,
Florence Ludington.
254. Answer to the Above.
C——, December 7, 19—.
Dear Florence:—
I cannot but think that you regard our little differences too seriously. In fact, I look upon them rather as misunderstandings than differences. But since you suggest it, I consent that we call our engagement broken for the present. I agree to it only because you want to feel perfectly free, and I do so in good faith; you are free. Whatever the end, I shall never blame you; my faith in your sincerity and true nobility stands undiminished. In my own mind I consider our engagement as merely suspended. Doubtless time will show you what mere trifles—nothings, we might say—are dividing us. It was not lightly, my darling, that I gave you my heart.
Yours as ever, with love and devotion,
Charles Davidson.