Oh Indiscretion! Oh Love! In vain are the teachings of moralists, that thou art a delusion! Love, that can illumine the dark hovel and the dismal garret, that can gladden the heart of the slave, and lighten his shackles! The sage may assert that the gratification of vanity is thine aim and end, but Love glances with contempt at the cold-blooded philosophy of calculation.
LETTERS.
MARIA TO THEODORE.
Sunday Night, 11 o’clock.
Dearest, Dearest Theodore: I have not yet lain down. Did you reach home in safety? That was a swift, ugly horse! I would give worlds to hear from you, Theodore, even one word! What joys hath God revealed to me this day! Can our love endure forever? May angels guard you, Theodore, and learn you to think of your betrothed Maria! It begins to rain dreadfully, and I know not what to do. I beat about my chamber like a silly bird in a cage. What a destiny broods over us! Write me one line, only one line, to tell me of your welfare. I shall be in despair until I hear from you. Do not delay the bearer an instant. He promises to return in a very, very short time. I will pray for you all this night, that seems as if it would never end. God bless you, my darling Theodore! Do not fail to write, and, till we meet again, believe me your own
Maria.
Monday Morning.
Sweetest, Dearest One: Yours found me quite safe and well, at home, smoking over a glass of wine. I love you, if that could be, more than before. You was a darling, to send to inquire after my safety and health so soon! A wet jacket frightens not me. God bless you, enchanting one! I will pledge your name and welfare in a glass of sparkling liquor—I will, ’pon my suavity.[4] Won’t that be sublime! I sigh for the regaling drinks of my mother’s cupboard! Your penny-wise people here in Maine would grudge a dog his bone, and would starve one of my big Cuba hounds, I am sure. But when we get off there, eh? Won’t you shine, a princess? I’ll pistol the fool that says you’re not one. By my honor, you shall have a hundred servants at your heels, deary, eh? Well, good bye for a short time, love. I love you, and that’s gospel truth. I’ll be back to-morrow. My soul goes forth after you, as the sunflower follows in the wake of the sun.
Believe me to be your own Theodore.