I suppose you think it very childish to write you these particulars, but the most trifling details of this day are precious to me, and I must confide them to some one.  Towards midnight we separated, and I rejoiced at being alone with my happiness.  The emotion I felt was so lively that I hastened to carry it far away from everybody, even from him, its author.  I wished for solitude that I might ask myself what had caused this agitation—­nothing of importance had occurred this day, no word of engagement for the future had been made, and yet my whole life wore a different aspect ... my usually calm heart was throbbing violently—­my mind always so uneasy was settled; who had thus changed my fate?...  A stranger ... and what had he done to merit this sudden preference?  He had picked up some flowers ...  But this stranger wore on his brow the aureola of the dreamed-of ideal, his musical voice had the imperative accent of a master, and from the first moment he looked at me, there existed between us that mysterious affinity of fraternal instincts, that spontaneous alliance of two hearts suddenly mated, unfailing gratitude, irresistible sympathy, mutual echo, reciprocal exchange, quick appreciation, ardent and sublime harmony, that creates in one moment—­the poets are right—­that creates in one moment eternal love!

To restore my tranquillity, I sat down to write to you, but had not the courage to put my thoughts on paper, and I remained there all night, trembling and meditative, oppressed by this powerful emotion; I did not think, I did not pray, I did not live; I loved, and absorbed in loving, taking no note of time, I sat there till daybreak; at five o’clock I heard a noise of rakes and scythes in the garden, and wishing to cool my hot eyes with a breath of fresh air, I descended to the terrace.

Everybody was asleep in the chateau and all the blinds closed, but I opened the glass door leading into the garden, and after walking up and down the gravel-path, crossed the bridge over the brook, and went by way of the little thicket where I had rested yesterday; I was led by some magnetic attraction to the covered spring; I did not go up the poplar-walk, but took a little by-path seldom used by any one, and almost covered with grass; I reached the spring, and suddenly ... before me ...  I saw him ...  Valentine!... he was there alone, ... sitting on the bench by the fountain, with his beautiful eyes fastened on the spot where he had seen me the day before!  And oh, the sad wistfulness of his look went straight to my heart!  I stood still, happy, yet frightened; I wished to flee; I felt that my presence was a confession, a proof of his empire; I was right when I said he called me and I obeyed the call!...  He looked up and saw me, ... and oh, how pale he turned,... he seemed more alarmed than I had been the day previous!  His agitation restored my calmness; it convinced me that during these hours of separation our thoughts had been the same, and that our love was mutual.  He arose and approached me, saying:—­