Dear Edward,
I must admit, when I first read your letter, "I feel the truth of those words," (297). i knew that you would never willingly lie to me, but I felt something was missing- now I know what that was. I still cannot quite comprehend the full meaning of your words at the church this morning. That frightful woman that tried to murder you in your bed, is your . . .wife! That was indeed quite a shock to me.
You have such a good heart, to keep this dreadful woman in your house; feed her and treat her with what kindness is possible, that truly was a good deed. It must have taken so much courage to tell me all that you did in the letter. For this I thank you, but "what am I to do?" (282). My heart tells me to stay with you, my love; but "the answer my mind gave" (282) was in every sense the opposite. I do not think that I could ever remain here, knowing you were married to another- that would be great punishment indeed.
I am sorry, Edward- but I must leave you. I cannot bare the thought of becoming one of your mistresses, soon forgotten. If you left me, I do not think I could summon the strength to go on. It is better this way, for both of us. This way we can both retain our respectability and eventually regain some semblance of happiness. I hope that for my sake at least, you do not follow after me; when you receive this letter I will be long gone.
Thank you for giving me a home for this past year, and please tell Adele I mean no harm. I do not wish to make this parting any harder than it already is, but . . . . I must say this or forever wish I had.
I love you,
Janet
I must admit, when I first read your letter, "I feel the truth of those words," (297). i knew that you would never willingly lie to me, but I felt something was missing- now I know what that was. I still cannot quite comprehend the full meaning of your words at the church this morning. That frightful woman that tried to murder you in your bed, is your . . .wife! That was indeed quite a shock to me.
You have such a good heart, to keep this dreadful woman in your house; feed her and treat her with what kindness is possible, that truly was a good deed. It must have taken so much courage to tell me all that you did in the letter. For this I thank you, but "what am I to do?" (282). My heart tells me to stay with you, my love; but "the answer my mind gave" (282) was in every sense the opposite. I do not think that I could ever remain here, knowing you were married to another- that would be great punishment indeed.
I am sorry, Edward- but I must leave you. I cannot bare the thought of becoming one of your mistresses, soon forgotten. If you left me, I do not think I could summon the strength to go on. It is better this way, for both of us. This way we can both retain our respectability and eventually regain some semblance of happiness. I hope that for my sake at least, you do not follow after me; when you receive this letter I will be long gone.
Thank you for giving me a home for this past year, and please tell Adele I mean no harm. I do not wish to make this parting any harder than it already is, but . . . . I must say this or forever wish I had.
I love you,
Janet