My dearest Emily it is a
great deal too true that for many years I have lived a great deal too little
with you, and I know very well that I shall finish by knowing none of you. I do
not think of this without regret, nor sometimes I am sorry to say without a
little bitterness, when I think for what very small objects these sacrifices
have been made, and how very many more remain before any good can result from
them. My old amusement and yr. present one of castle building has completely
deserted me, but if fate shld. ever bring you on to the Continent while I am
here, and unable to come to you, I shall not easily forgive it if don’t
succeed in prevailing on you to come to me. I don’t myself think peace so
very near but yet not very far off. What will become of me I am just now very
uncertain, but in my present situation I shall certainly not stay beyond the
middle of March—perhaps I may return to
| LADY MELBOURNE’S LIFE | 177 |
