Explanation! You
may possibly say, What can Elizabeth have to explain? If you really
say this, my questions are answered and all my doubts satisfied. But
you are distant from me, and it is possible that you may dread and yet
be pleased with this explanation; and in a probability of this being
the case, I dare not any longer postpone writing what, during your
absence, I have often wished to express to you but have never had the
courage to begin.
"You well know, Victor, that our union had been the favourite
plan of your parents ever since our infancy. We were told this
when young, and taught to look forward to it as an event that would
certainly take place. We were affectionate playfellows during
childhood, and, I believe, dear and valued friends to one another
as we grew older. But as brother and sister often entertain a
lively affection towards each other without desiring a more
intimate union, may not such also be our case? Tell me, dearest
Victor. Answer me, I conjure you by our mutual happiness, with
simple truth--Do you not love another?
"You have travelled; you have spent several years of your life
at Ingolstadt; and I confess to you, my friend, that when I saw you
last autumn so unhappy, flying to solitude from the society of
every creature, I could not help supposing that you might regret
our connection and believe yourself bound in honour to fulfil the
wishes of your parents, although they opposed themselves to your
inclinations.
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