"The stipulated time has come, and our hidden

romance is at an end. Had I taken this resolution

a year ago, it would have saved me many

vain hopes, and you, perhaps, a little uncertainty.

Forgive me, first, if you can, and then hear the

explanation!

"You wished for a personal interview: you have

had, not one, but many. We have met, in society,

talked face to face, discussed the weather, the

opera, toilettes, Queechy, Aurora Floyd, Long