DEAR SIR,

What can possibly have happened that keeps us two such strangers to

each other? I expected to have heard from you when you came home; I

expected afterwards. I went into the country and returned, and yet

there is no letter from Mr. Boswell. No ill, I hope, has happened; and

if ill should happen, why should it be concealed from him who loves

you? Is it a fit of humour, that has disposed you to try who can hold

out longest without writing? If it be, you have the victory. But I am

afraid of something bad; set me free from my suspicions.

My thoughts are at present employed in guessing the reason of your

silence; you must not expect that I should tell you anything, if I had

anything to tell. Write, pray write to me, and let me know what is or

what has been the cause of this long interruption.

Selected English Letters (XV-XIX Centuries) · 第 144 / 402 题