I note she has a French accent. I find she only knows a few words of English, but she is fluent in French. Here then comes another obstacle. I could make no love in French, without exploding at my own ignorance of it. But there is no doubt that, so far as beauty goes, Virginia is sufficient. September 9th. After a short absence, I have returned. Evangelides welcomed me effusively. Passed the evening with Virginia’s family. There were two brothers of Virginia’s, fine young fellows, present, and a sister. It was clear that my letter had been a subject of family discussion, for every eye was marked by a more discerning glance than would have been noticeable otherwise. Even on the little girl’s face I read, ‘I wonder if he will suit me as a brother-in-law.’ I wished I could say to her, ‘So far as you and Virginia are concerned, I do not think you will have cause for regret.’ On the whole, the ordeal was not unsatisfactory. I was conscious that Virginia was favourable. No decision has been arrived at yet, but I feel that where there are so many heads in council, father, mother, brothers, relatives, friends, and Evangelides, there must be a deal to debate. September 10th. A friend of the family came into my room this afternoon, and was, in features, voice, and conduct, infectiously congratulatory. He told me that the marriage was as good as concluded, that I had only to name the day. I gasped, and with good reason. Here was an event which I had always considered as sacred, mysterious, requiring peculiar influences and circumstances to bring within range of possibilities, so imminent, that it depended only on my own wish. Incredulous, I asked, ‘But are you certain?’ ‘As certain as I am alive. I have only just left them, and came expressly to enquire your wishes in the matter.’ Feeling that retreat was as undesirable as it would be offensive, I replied, ‘Then, of course, as my business admits of no delay, I should like the marriage to take place next Sunday.’ ‘All right,’ he said, ‘next Sunday will suit us perfectly.’ And he left me quivering, almost, and certainly agitated. In the evening I visited the house. I was allowed to see Virginia, and, in a short time, whatever misgivings I may have had as to the wisdom of my act were banished by the touch of her hand, and the trust visible in her eyes. There was no doubt as to her ultimate responsiveness to the height and depth of love. As yet, naturally, there was no love; but it was budding, and, if allowed to expand, there would be no flaw in the bloom. If I know myself at all, I think that my condition was much the same. All that I knew of her I admired; and, if she were as constant in goodness as she was beautiful, there would be no reason to regret having been so precipitate.