moderation and no one can enjoy them more than I do sometimes but I do not like them so often. Two public balls in a year are I think quite sufficient, besides I think that those private meetings of friends are always infinitely more agreeable. Although I miss you and feel lonely sometimes, still I am much more happy and contented than I was when you were away before for now I feel assured of your affection for me and know that no absence will ever cause you to forget me. I also look forward with much pleasure to the end of two months when I hope we shall have the happiness of meeting again. I must now conclude my