’October 25th, 1840.—­This week I have not read any book, nor once walked in the woods and fields.  I meant to give its days to setting outward things in order, and its evenings to writing.  But, I know not how it is, I can never simplify my life; always so many ties, so many claims!  However, soon the winter winds will chant matins and vespers, which may make my house a cell, and in a snowy veil enfold me for my prayer.  If I cannot dedicate myself this time, I will not expect it again.  Surely it should be!  These Carnival masks have crowded on me long enough, and Lent must be at hand. * *

’——­ and ——­ have been writing me letters, to answer which required all the time and thought I could give for a day or two. ——­’s were of joyful recognition, and so beautiful I would give much to show them to you. ——­’s have singularly affected me.  They are noble, wise, of most unfriendly friendliness.  I don’t know why it is, I always seem to myself to have gone so much further with a friend than I really have.  Just as at Newport I thought ——­ met me, when he did not, and sang a joyful song which found no echo, so here ——­ asks me questions which I thought had been answered in the first days of our acquaintance, and coldly enumerates all the charming qualities which make it impossible for him to part with me!  He scolds me, though in the sweetest and solemnest way.  I will not quote his words, though their beauty tempts me, for they do not apply, they do not touch ME.

’Why is it that the religion of my nature is so much hidden from my peers? why do they question me, who never question them? why persist to regard as a meteor an orb of assured hope?  Can no soul know me wholly? shall I never know the deep delight of gratitude to any but the All-Knowing?  I shall wait for ——­ very peaceably, in reverent love as ever; but I cannot see why he should not have the pleasure of knowing now a friend, who has been “so tender and true."’

* * * * *

’——­ was here, and spent twenty-four hours in telling me a tale of deepest tragedy.  Its sad changes should be written out in Godwin’s best manner:  such are the themes he loved, as did also Rousseau.  Through all the dark shadows shone a pure white ray, one high, spiritual character, a man, too, and of advanced age.  I begin to respect men more,—­I mean actual men.  What men may be, I know; but the men of to-day have seemed to me of such coarse fibre, or else such poor wan shadows!

’——­ had scarcely gone, when ——­ came and wished to spend a few hours with me.  I was totally exhausted, but I lay down, and she sat beside me, and poured out all her noble feelings and bright fancies.  There was little light in the room, and she gleamed like a cloud

      —­“of pearl and opal,”

    and reminded me more than ever of

          —­“the light-haired Lombardess
      Singing a song of her own native land,”