“Exercise your fine natural sense and remain in retirement. Dear and admirable woman, invite no dangerous publicity. Resignation is sublime⁠—adopt it. The modest repose of home is eternally fresh⁠—enjoy it. The storms of life pass harmless over the valley of Seclusion⁠—dwell, dear lady, in the valley.

“Do this and I authorise you to fear nothing. No new calamity shall lacerate your sensibilities⁠—sensibilities precious to me as my own. You shall not be molested, the fair companion of your retreat shall not be pursued. She has found a new asylum in your heart. Priceless asylum!⁠—I envy her and leave her there.