After a little conversation, I expressed my astonishment, that a man of whose kindness and humanity I had just had such proof, could find his happiness in flying mankind:  I said a good deal on the subject, to which he listened with the politest attention.

“You appear,” said he, “of a temper to pity the miseries of others.  My story is short and simple:  I loved the most amiable of women; I was beloved.  The avarice of our parents, who both had more gainful views for us, prevented an union on which our happiness depended.  My Louisa, who was threatened with an immediate marriage with a man she detested, proposed to me to fly the tyranny of our friends:  she had an uncle at Quebec, to whom she was dear.  The wilds of Canada, said she, may afford us that refuge our cruel country denies us.  After a secret marriage, we embarked.  Our voyage was thus far happy; I landed on the opposite shore, to seek refreshments for my Louisa; I was returning, pleased with the thought of obliging the object of all my tenderness, when a beginning storm drove me to seek shelter in this bay.  The storm encreased, I saw its progress with agonies not to be described; the ship, which was in sight, was unable to resist its fury; the sailors crowded into the boat; they had the humanity to place my Louisa there; they made for the spot where I was, my eyes were wildly fixed on them; I stood eagerly on the utmost verge of the water, my arms stretched out to receive her, my prayers ardently addressed to Heaven, when an immense wave broke over the boat; I heard a general shriek; I even fancied I distinguished my Louisa’s cries; it subsided, the sailors again exerted all their force; a second wave—­I saw them no more.

“Never will that dreadful scene be absent one moment from my memory:  I fell senseless on the beach; when I returned to life, the first object I beheld was the breathless body of my Louisa at my feet.  Heaven gave me the wretched consolation of rendering to her the last sad duties.  In that grave all my happiness lies buried.  I knelt by her, and breathed a vow to Heaven, to wait here the moment that should join me to all I held dear.  I every morning visit her loved remains, and implore the God of mercy to hasten my dissolution.  I feel that we shall not long be separated; I shall soon meet her, to part no more.”

He stopped, and, without seeming to remember he was not alone, walked hastily towards a little oratory he has built on the beach, near which is the grave of his Louisa; I followed him a few steps, I saw him throw himself on his knees; and, respecting his sorrow, returned to the house.

Though I cannot absolutely approve, yet I more than forgive, I almost admire, his renouncing the world in his situation.  Devotion is perhaps the only balm for the wounds given by unhappy love; the heart is too much softened by true tenderness to admit any common cure.

Seven in the evening.

I am returned to Madame Des Roches and her friends, who declined visiting the hermit.  I found in his conversation all which could have adorned society; he was pleased with the sympathy I shewed for his sufferings; we parted with regret.  I wished to have made him a present, but he will receive nothing.