The mountain had lost its crown,--it had fallen in an avalanche at my feet.
"Oh, Mr.Regulus!" said I, when I at last liberated my imprisoned voice, "you honor me too much.

I never dreamed of such a,--such a distinction.
I am not worthy of it,--indeed I am not.

It makes me very unhappy to think of your cherishing such feelings for me, who have looked up to you so long with so much veneration and respect.

I will always esteem and revere you, dear Mr.Regulus,--always think of you with gratitude and affection; but do not, I entreat you, ever allude again to any other sentiment.

You do not know how very miserable it makes me." I tried to express myself in the gentlest manner possible, but the poor man had lost all command of his feelings.