'Torn by conflicting passions--wasted in anguish--life is melting fast away--A burthen to myself, a grief to those who love me, and worthless to every one. Weakened by long suspence--preyed upon, by a combination of imperious feelings--I fear, I greatly fear, the _irrecoverable blow is struck_! But I blame no one--I have been entangled in error--_who is faultless?_ 'While pouring itself out on paper, my tortured mind has experienced a momentary relief: If your heart be inaccessible to tender sympathies, I have only been adding one more to my numberless mistakes! 'EMMA.' Mr Francis visited me, and evinced for my situation the most humane and delicate consideration. He reminded me of the offer I had made him, and requested the performance of my engagement. In compliance with this request, and to beguile my melancholy thoughts, I drew up a sketch of the events of my past life, and unfolded a history of the sentiments of my mind (from which I have extracted the preceding materials) reserving only any circumstance which might lead to a detection of the name and family of the man with whom they were so intimately blended. CHAPTER XI After having perused my manuscript, Mr Francis returned it, at my desire, accompanied by the following letter. TO EMMA COURTNEY. 'Your narrative leaves me full of admiration for your qualities, and compassion for your insanity. 'I entreat however your attention to the following passage, extracted from your papers. "After considering all I have urged, you may perhaps reply, that the subject is too nice, and too subtle, for reasoning, and that the heart is not to be compelled. This, I think, is a mistake. There is no topic, in fact, that may not be subjected to the laws of investigation and reasoning. What is it we desire? pleasure, happiness. What! the pleasure of an instant, only; or that which is more solid and permanent? I allow, pleasure is the supreme good! but it may be analysed. To this analysis I now call you." 'Could I, if I had studied for years, invent a comment on your story, more salutary to your sorrows, more immoveable in its foundation, more clearly expressed, or more irresistibly convincing to every rational mind?