Page:The Works of J. W. von Goethe, Volume 6.djvu/173

Rh is your way to leave them to chance. To me, in such a serious matter, this seems almost a crime."

"Then, what am I to write to the captain?" cried Edward; "for write I must at once."

"Write him a kind, sensible, sympathising letter." answered Charlotte.

"That is as good as none at all," replied Edward.

"And there are many cases," answered she, "in which we are obliged, and in which it is the real kindness, rather to write nothing than not to write."