Yes! these pages are amazing. The tact which I find here, the
discretion, the rare courage, the wonderful power of memory, the
accurate observation of character, the easy grace of style, the
charming outbursts of womanly feeling, have all inexpressibly increased
my admiration of this sublime creature, of this magnificent Marian. The
presentation of my own character is masterly in the extreme. I certify,
with my whole heart, to the fidelity of the portrait. I feel how vivid
an impression I must have produced to have been painted in such strong,
such rich, such massive colours as these. I lament afresh the cruel
necessity which sets our interests at variance, and opposes us to each
other. Under happier circumstances how worthy I should have been of
Miss Halcombe—how worthy Miss Halcombe would have been of ME.
The sentiments which animate my heart assure me that the lines I have
just written express a Profound Truth.
Those sentiments exalt me above all merely personal considerations. I
bear witness, in the most disinterested manner, to the excellence of
the stratagem by which this unparalleled woman surprised the private
interview between Percival and myself—also to the marvellous accuracy
of her report of the whole conversation from its beginning to its end.
Those sentiments have induced me to offer to the unimpressionable
doctor who attends on her my vast knowledge of chemistry, and my
luminous experience of the more subtle resources which medical and
magnetic science have placed at the disposal of mankind. He has
hitherto declined to avail himself of my assistance. Miserable man!
Finally, those sentiments dictate the lines—grateful, sympathetic,
paternal lines—which appear in this place. I close the book. My strict
sense of propriety restores it (by the hands of my wife) to its place
on the writer’s table. Events are hurrying me away. Circumstances are
guiding me to serious issues. Vast perspectives of success unroll
themselves before my eyes. I accomplish my destiny with a calmness
which is terrible to myself. Nothing but the homage of my admiration
is my own. I deposit it with respectful tenderness at the feet of Miss
Halcombe.