_To Mrs. Talbot_
New York, November 23.
You do not write to me, my dear Jane. Why are you silent? Surely you
cannot be indifferent to my happiness. You must know how painful, at a
moment like this, your silence must prove.
I have waited from day to day in expectation of a letter; but more than
a week has passed, and none has come. Let me hear from you immediately, I
entreat you.
I am afraid you are ill; or perhaps you are displeased with me.
Unconsciously I may have given you offence.
But, indeed, I can easily suspect the cause of your silence. I trembled
with terror when I sent you tidings of our calamity. I know the
impetuosity of your feelings, and the effects of your present solitude.
Would to Heaven you were anywhere but where you are! Would to Heaven you
were once more with us!
Let me beseech you to return to us immediately. Mr. M. is anxious to go
for you. He wanted to set out immediately on his brother's arrival, and to
be the bearer of my letter, but I prevailed on him to forbear until I
heard from you.
Do not, if you have any regard for me, delay answering me a moment
longer.