even, I think, the other and tender tie which priest and church shall one day impose, could not make more perfect or more secure.

“So I must strive to please you by writing with elegance befitting, yet permitting you to perceive the ardent heart of her who thinks of you through every blessed moment of the day.

“I pray, as my dear mother prays, that God, all armoured, and with His bright sword drawn, stand sentinel on your right hand throughout the dangers and the trials of this most just and bloody war. For your return I pray and wait.

“Your humble and dutiful and obedient and adoring wife to be,

“Lois de Contrecoeur.

“Post scriptum: The memory of our kiss fades not from my lips. I will be content when circumstances permit us the liberty to repeat it.”