8/16 To my mind, there is only one wise course open to you, and that is, to let this thing alone, and resign yourself to the inevitable. I acknowledge that Miss Nowell was eminently worthy of your affection; but you know the old song--'If she be not fair to me, what care I how fair she be.' There are plenty of women in the world. The choice is wide enough." "Not for me, John. Marian Nowell is the only woman I have ever loved, the only woman I ever can love." "My dear boy, it is so natural for you to believe that just now; and a year hence you will think so differently!" "No, John. But I am not going to mate any protestations of my constancy. |