My Dearest Laura:
I can no longer restrain myself from writing to you, dearest
and best of girls, what I have often been on the point of
saying to you. I love you so much that I cannot find words in
which to express my feelings. I have loved you from the very
first day we met, and always shall. Do you blame me because I
write so freely? I should be unworthy of you if I did not tell
you the whole truth. Oh, Laura, can you love me in return?
I am sure I shall not be able to bear it if your answer is
unfavorable. I will study your every wish if you will give
me the right to do so. May I hope? Send just one kind word to
your sincere friend.