“Yet I love you. Yet, and forever, would I contribute all I possess to your welfare. On account of a tattling world; for the sake of my⁠—of our child, I would remain by you, Raymond, share your fortunes, partake your counsel. Shall it be thus? We are no longer lovers; nor can I call myself a friend to any; since, lost as I am, I have no thought to spare from my own wretched, engrossing self. But it will please me to see you each day! to listen to the public voice praising you; to keep up your paternal love for our girl; to hear your voice; to know that I am near you, though you are no longer mine.

“If you wish to break the chains that bind us, say the word, and it shall be done⁠—I will take all the blame on myself, of harshness or unkindness, in the world’s eye.