I thank Heaven that I can say it honestly and truly, without fear of my conscience pricking.

You know too, for I have told you, how my boyhood and manhood have been passed, and if there is anything you do not know I will tell you hereafter, for I would always hate to feel that there was anything about me you did not know--I could not feel it.
But then, say you, he should have told me what he was going to do abroad.

And so I have, dear lady; for though I have not explained it all to you, I have placed all needful knowledge in safe hands, where you can obtain it for the asking, if ever the least shadow of doubt should cross your mind.

Only I pray you, as suing a great boon, not to doubt--that is all, for I would rather you did not know yet.
"This letter is being written by degrees.

I have not written all this at once, for I find it as hard to express my thoughts to you on paper as I find it easy by word of mouth.