True, I cannot say (and most heartily I regret it) that there exists between us the same extravagant fondness we cherished as children--but that is no fault of mine.

Did you not return to me, each year, colder and colder--more distant and unbrotherly--until you drove back to their source the gushing streams of a sister's love that flowed so strongly towards you?
You ask me to resign Charles Ellis and come to you.

What can you offer me in exchange for his true, manly affection ?--to what purpose drive from my heart a love that has been my only solace, only consolation, for your waning regard! We have grown up together--he has been warm and kind, when you were cold and indifferent--and now that he claims the reward of long years of tender regard, and my own heart is conscious that he deserves it, you would step between us, and forbid me yield the recompense that it will be my pride and delight to bestow.

It grieves me to write it; yet I must, Clary--for between brother and sister there is no need of concealments; and particularly at such a time should everything be open, clear, explicit.

Do not think I wish to reproach you.