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328 words of admonishment to address to you. Remain, if it be possible, even as you now are, unmarried, and with your affections disengaged. It seems that Fate has determined on the final extinction of our family. More it is needless to say at present. But if you should ever meet with a lover worthy of your regard, remember, before your marriage-day, to examine and read the sealed paper which I now give to you. It is my decided command, however, that you shall not look into it unless these circumstances occur, because you would otherwise occasion to yourself needless disquietude.’ At these words, to which I listened with sobs and tears, he drew from under his pillow, and gave to me a small sealed packet, which I took, and have preserved according to his injunctions, but I thought little then of what might be its contents. Every other feeling was overpowered in my affliction. He died peacefully, while I was supporting him, precisely as the clock struck nine. On the evening after his funeral, the same unearthly radiance was seen in my chamber.

“You know that, being unable to support a