Continue to write me from Paris, but let me tell you that I am not pleased with the bitterness of your letters—­a bitterness unworthy of my philosophic tutor of the happy bygone days at Vevay.  I wish my true love to see all things clearly, and to be the just and honest man I have always deemed him—­not a cynic who seeks a sorry comfort in misfortune by carping at the rest of mankind.

FROM MADAME D’ORBE TO JULIE’S LOVER

I am about to ask of you a great sacrifice; but I know you will perceive it to be a necessary sacrifice, and I think that your devotion to Julie’s true happiness will endure even this final test.

Julie’s mother has died, and Julie has tormented herself with the idea that her love troubles have hastened her parent’s end.  Since then she has had a serious illness, and is now in a depressed state both physically and mentally.  Nothing, I am convinced, can cure her save absolute oblivion of the past, and the beginning of a new life—­a married life.

M. de Wolmar is here once more, and Julie’s father will insist upon her union with him.  This quiet, emotionless, observant man cannot win her love, but he can bring her peace.  Will you cease from all correspondence with her, and renounce all claim to her?  Remember that Julie’s whole future depends upon your answer.  Her father will force her to obey him; prove that you are worthy of her love by removing all obstacles to her obedience.

FROM JULIE’S LOVER TO HER FATHER

I hereby renounce all claims upon the hand of Julie d’Etange, and acknowledge her right to dispose of herself in matrimony without consulting her heart.

FROM MADAME D’ORBE TO JULIE’S LOVER

Julie is married.  Give thanks to the heaven that has saved you both. 
Respect her new estate; do not write to her, but wait to hear from her. 
Now is the time when I shall learn whether you are worthy of the esteem
I have ever felt for you.

FROM MYLORD EDOUARD TO JULIE’S LOVER

A squadron is fitting out at Plymouth for the tour of the globe, under the command of my old friend George Anson.  I have obtained permission for you to accompany him.  Will you go?

FROM JULIE’S LOVER TO MADAME D’ORBE

I am starting, dear and charming cousin, for a voyage round the world—­to seek in another hemisphere the peace that I cannot enjoy in this.  Adieu, tender and inseparable friends, may you make each other’s happiness!

III.—­The Philosophic Husband

FROM M. DE WOLMAR TO SAINT PREUX (PSEUDONYM OF JULIE’S LOVER)

I learn that you have returned to Europe after all these years of travel.  Although I have not as yet the pleasure of knowing you, permit me nevertheless to address you.  The wisest and dearest of women has opened her heart to me.  I believe that you are worthy of having been loved by her, and I invite you to our home.  Innocence and peace reign within it; you will find there friendship, hospitality, esteem, and confidence.