I am setting off in an hour for Montreal, and shall call at Silleri to take Emily’s commands.
Seven in the evening, Des Chambeaux.
I asked her advice as to fixing the place of my settlement; she said much against my staying in America at all; but, if I was determined, recommended Lake Champlain rather than the Kamaraskas, on account of climate. Bell smiled; and a blush, which I perfectly understood, over-spread the lovely cheek of my sweet Emily. Nothing could be more flattering than this circumstance; had she seen Madame Des Roches with a calm indifference, had she not been alarmed at the idea of fixing near her, I should have doubted of the degree of her affection; a little apprehension is inseparable from real love.
My courage has been to-day extremely put to the proof: had I staid three days longer, it would have been impossible to have continued my journey.
The ice cracks under us at every step the horses set, a rather unpleasant circumstance on a river twenty fathom deep: I should not have attempted the journey had I been aware of this particular. I hope no man meets inevitable danger with more spirit, but no man is less fond of seeking it where it is honorably to be avoided.
I am going to sup with the seigneur of the village, who is, I am told, married to one of the handsomest women in the province.
Adieu! my dear! I shall write to you from Montreal.
Your affectionate
Ed. Rivers.
LETTER CXIV.116.
To Mrs. Temple, Pall Mall.