I saw Lenore; passed with her a pleasant hour or two; and then learnt
that my company was on that day no longer required.
Great preparations were being made for the marriage. Every one in the
house appeared to be busy--Lenore included--and as she could devote but
little time to entertaining me, I took leave of her, and returned home.
On entering my room, I found a letter awaiting me. It lay upon the
table; and, drawing near, I cast my eye over the superscription.
I saw that the writing was in a female hand, though not one familiar to
me. From whom could the letter be? Something seemed to whisper in my
ear the word "Jessie."
She could not have written to me--least of all at that hour--unless to
communicate something of importance; and I hastily tore open the
envelope.