5
would riot abandon it to the insulting pity of mankind. Preserve the same religious silence which I have now for the first time violated, but have only done out of my profound esteem for you.
At length he recovered his property, but never his health. I considered his absence from me would be to his advantage, and therefore constantly refused both his letters and his visits.
Two years and a half passed between our first acquaintance and his death. He entreated me to assuage by my presence the last moments of his life. My engagements prevented me complying with his request. He died in the pre-
B 3
