`Yet ought I not to be flattered by even such a notice? If indeed
Louise loves my person, I think she ought to be happy with my love
which no ceremony will increase! How then, or why then should I
manifest joy when I see myself on the verge of a union which will not
make me love her more than I do now? Will it not be that, like all
the rest, she will be more pleased with the matrimony than with the
husband! This idea has tormented me atrociously, and has given a
lukewarmness to our interviews. I know this idea is a foolish one, be
cause I cannot doubt of the purity and of the reality of the love of
Louise for me. But I am tortured, I hardly know wherefore. I am
agitated while I write, and feel a fever in my veins.
If you were at my side, Charles, I think I should hardly dare to be
married.
