I left the casino without seeing anyone, and being well masked I repaired to the house of Laura, who gave me a letter from my dear C——­ C——.  Here is a copy of it: 

“I am going to give you, my best beloved, a specimen of my way of thinking; and I trust that, far from lowering me in your estimation, you will judge me, in spite of my youth, capable of keeping a secret and worthy of being your wife.  Certain that your heart is mine, I do not blame you for having made a mystery of certain things, and not being jealous of what can divert your mind and help you to bear patiently our cruel separation, I can only delight in whatever procures you some pleasure.  Listen now.  Yesterday, as I was going along one of the halls, I dropped a tooth-pick which I held in my hand, and to get it again, I was compelled to displace a stool which happened to be in front of a crack in the partition.  I have already become as curious as a nun—­a fault very natural to idle people—­I placed my eye against the small opening, and whom did I see?  You in person, my darling, conversing in the most lively manner with my charming friend, Sister M——­ M——.  It would be difficult for you to imagine my surprise and joy.  But those two feelings gave way soon to the fear of being seen and of exciting the curiosity of some inquisitive nun.  I quickly replaced the stool, and I went away.  Tell me all, dearest friend, you will make me happy.  How could I cherish you with all my soul, and not be anxious to know the history of your adventure?  Tell me if she knows you, and how you have made her acquaintance.  She is my best friend, the one of whom I have spoken so often to you in my letters, without thinking it necessary to tell you her name.  She is the friend who teaches me French, and has lent me books which gave me a great deal of information on a matter generally little known to women.  If it had not been for her, the cause of the accident which has been so near costing me my life, would have been discovered.  She gave me sheets and linen immediately; to her I owe my honour; but she has necessarily learned in that way that I have a lover, as I know that she has one; but neither of us has shewn any anxiety to know the secrets of the other.  Sister M——­ M——­ is a rare woman.  I feel certain, dearest, that you love one another; it cannot be otherwise since you are acquainted; but as I am not jealous of that affection, I deserve that you should tell me all.  I pity you both, however; for all you may do will, I fear, only irritate your passion.  Everyone in the convent thinks that you are ill, and I am longing to see you.  Come, at least, once.  Adieu!”