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Rh "I know not why I should blush to write what I would not have blushed to say;—your little watch has been my constant companion. But a long absence is before us—a thousand things may happen—a thousand changes occur—I mean, you yourself may change. If so, do not hesitate to tell me. The weakness of repining—the meanness of reproach, would, I trust, be equally unknown to one whose memory would thenceforth be simple gratitude."

How easy it is to be generous about the inconstancy which in our secret self we hold to be impossible! The letter was despatched; and Beatrice had now only to adopt the habits of those around her as much as possible. The young Spaniard had been in many situations of greater difficulty, but in none more irksome. Hitherto her life had been one of active exertion; every day had brought its task; the household duties, the care of her mother, had made leisure sweet, in proportion to its rarity; a library of extensive, but miscellaneous reading—the best in the world for a strong mind; a beautiful country, through which her steps wandered free as the wind,—had made every evening marvel how the hours could have passed