dear Christian name is sufficient to account for my partiality; it gives me even pleasure when one of her pocket-handkerchiefs or napkins marked “Constantia” comes into my hands.

I walked alone, and slowly, into St. Stephen’s.  The church was as yet empty.  To view the noble, magnificent edifice in a truly devout spirit I leant against a pillar in the darkest corner of this house of God.  The grandeur of the arched roof cannot be described, one must see St. Stephen’s with one’s own eyes.  Around me reigned the profoundest silence, which was interrupted only by the echoing footsteps of the sacristan who came to light the candles.  Behind me was a grave, before me a grave, only above me I saw none.  At that moment I felt my loneliness and isolation.  When the lights were burning and the Cathedral began to fill with people, I wrapped myself up more closely in my cloak (you know the way in which I used to walk through the suburb of Cracow), and hastened to be present at the Mass in the Imperial Court Chapel.  Now, however, I walked no longer alone, but passed through the beautiful streets of Vienna in merry company to the Hofburg, where I heard three movements of a mass performed by sleepy musicians.  At one o’clock in the morning I reached my lodgings.  I dreamt of you, of her, and of my dear children [his sisters].

   The first thing I did to-day was to indulge myself in
   melancholy fantasias on my piano.

   Advise me what to do.  Please ask the person who has always
   exercised so powerful an influence over me in Warsaw, and let
   me know her opinion; according to that I shall act.

Let me hear once more from you before you take the field.  Vienna, poste restante.  Go and see my parents and Constantia.  Visit my sisters often, as long as you are still in Warsaw, so that they may think that you are coming to me, and that I am in the other room.  Sit down beside them that they may imagine I am there too; in one word, be my substitute in the house of my parents.

I shall conclude, dear Johnnie, for now it is really time.  Embrace all my dear colleagues for me, and believe that I shall not cease to love you until I cease to love those that are dearest to me, my parents and her.

   My dearest friend, do write me soon a few lines.  You may even
   show her this letter, if you think fit to do so.

My parents don’t know that I write to you.  You may tell them of it, but must by no means show them the letter.  I cannot yet take leave of my Johnnie; but I shall be off presently, you naughty one!  If W...loves you as heartily as I love you, then would Con...No, I cannot complete the name, my hand is too unworthy.  Ah!  I could tear out my hair when I think that I could be forgotten by her!

   My portrait, of which only you and I are to know, is a very
   good likeness; if you think it would give her pleasure, I
   would send it to her through Schuch.