“All these things are very gratifying; yet they have their drawbacks. In spite of our poverty and retirement, we find it impossible to screen ourselves wholly from society. I am too feeble--too insignificant--to be cared for; but Kathinka is much sought after, and even courted. Krusenstern, the commander of the castle, is exceedingly kind to both her and me; and his lady has been her most munificent patron. She has bought the little tasteful products of Kathinka’s nimble needle, and paid her most amply for them. In this way we are provided with the means of support. “It galls me to think that I am thus reduced to dependence upon enemies--upon Russians--upon those who are the authors of all my own and my country’s sorrows; but it is best, perhaps, that it should be so--for often the only way in which God can truly soften the hard heart, is to afflict it in that way which is most bitter. Pride must fall, for it is inconsistent with true penitence; it is an idol set up in the heart in opposition to the true God. We must cease to worship the first--we must pull it down from its pedestal, before we can kneel truly and devoutly to the last. “Kathinka will tell you all the little details of news. I am bad at that, for my memory fails fast: and, my dear boy--I may as well say it frankly, that I think my days are fast drawing to a close. I have no special disease--but it seems to me that my heart beats feebly, and that the last sands of life are near running out. It may be otherwise--yet so I feel. It is for this reason that I have had some reluctance in giving my consent to a plan for your returning home in a Russian vessel, which is offered to you.