The temptation to continue the daily history of their love up to the time of their separation is very great; but I have already presumed too much upon the good nature of my readers; let us abridge the story so as to bring it to an end.  Will Emile face the situation as bravely at his mistress’ feet as he has done in conversation with his friend?  I think he will; his confidence is rooted in the sincerity of his love.  He would be more at a loss with her, if it cost him less to leave her; he would leave her feeling himself to blame, and that is a difficult part for a man of honour to play; but the greater the sacrifice, the more credit he demands for it in the sight of her who makes it so difficult.  He has no fear that she will misunderstand his motives.  Every look seems to say, “Oh, Sophy, read my heart and be faithful to me; your lover is not without virtue.”

Sophy tries to bear the unforeseen blow with her usual pride and dignity.  She tries to seem as if she did not care, but as the honours of war are not hers, but Emile’s, her strength is less equal to the task.  She weeps, she sighs against her will, and the fear of being forgotten embitters the pain of parting.  She does not weep in her lover’s sight, she does not let him see her terror; she would die rather than utter a sigh in his presence.  I am the recipient of her lamentations, I behold her tears, it is I who am supposed to be her confidant.  Women are very clever and know how to conceal their cleverness; the more she frets in private, the more pains she takes to please me; she feels that her fate is in my hands.

I console and comfort her; I make myself answerable for her lover, or rather for her husband; let her be as true to him as he to her and I promise they shall be married in two years’ time.  She respects me enough to believe that I do not want to deceive her.  I am guarantor to each for the other.  Their hearts, their virtue, my honesty, the confidence of their parents, all combine to reassure them.  But what can reason avail against weakness?  They part as if they were never to meet again.

Then it is that Sophy recalls the regrets of Eucharis, and fancies herself in her place.  Do not let us revive that fantastic affection during his absence “Sophy,” say I one day, “exchange books with Emile; let him have your Telemachus that he may learn to be like him, and let him give you his Spectator which you enjoy reading.  Study the duties of good wives in it, and remember that in two years’ time you will undertake those duties.”  The exchange gave pleasure to both and inspired them with confidence.  At last the sad day arrived and they must part.

Sophy’s worthy father, with whom I had arranged the whole business, took affectionate leave of me, and taking me aside, he spoke seriously and somewhat emphatically, saying, “I have done everything to please you; I knew I had to do with a man of honour; I have only one word to say.  Remembering your pupil has signed his contract of marriage on my daughter’s lips.”