But I am very glad to be able to pay off a
small part of the great debt of gratitude I owe to the
benevolent of this world by doing all that I can in my turn
for the needy. And even if I had never myself been the object
of a good man's benevolence, I should still have desired to
serve the indigent; "for whoso giveth to the poor lendeth to
the Lord," and I "like the security." Therefore, sweet mother
of mine, be at ease; for I am getting on swimmingly--with one
exception. Still I do not hear from our Clara! Six months have
now passed, during which, despite of her seeming silence, I
have written to her every week; but not one letter or message
have I received from her in return! And now you tell me also
that you have not received a single letter from her either! I
know not what to think. Anxiety upon her account is my one
sole trouble! Not that I wrong the dear girl by one instant's
doubt of her constancy--no! my soul upon her truth! if I could
do that, I should be most unworthy of her love! No, mother,
you and I know that Clara is true! But ah, we do not know to
what sufferings she may be subjected by Le Noir, who I firmly
believe has intercepted all our letters. Mother, I am about to
ask a great, perhaps an unreasonable, favor of you! It is to
go down into the neighborhood of the Hidden House and make
inquiries and try to find out Clara's real condition.
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