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227/ I dont believe that I shall even be in love! First because I do not believe that every one is capable of feeling a high, pure, disinterested affection. I believe a certain number of people are capable of feeling it; that a small number of people do feel it; & that a very very small number of people are loved in return in an equal degree. - Therefor as the number is so exceedingly small, it is highly improbable that I shall be an exception to the general rules. - I believe that true love is founded in mutual esteem, confidence, similarity of tastes & strong sympathies. It is certainly the only kind that can last! I believe that if a girl can feel all this for an honorable, upright, God-fearing man, she should marry him, & that whether the rest of her life be happy or unhappy, she will never have to wish herself unmarried. But I think it is better for any one to scrub floors, than to marry for any other motive. - I don't think I am capable of feeling a very violent affection for anyone; it must be very disagreeable to be

(228 in such a state, for if disappointed you are very miserable, & if all goes well you may be disappointed in the person. - Therefore I hope I may never feel it! - As for constancy I'm afraid there is very little in the world; for as nearly all windows & widowers marry again, it is not to be supposed that people who have never been united are more faithful. - I have been sitting by the window looking out on the "rue de la paix" & have seen Hamilton Fish, Witlie Crosbie, Mason, H Hammersly, Suares, & finally I caught sight of Mr Little. = I did my best; but he did not go home with the ship, but is here instead with three months leave. - I have seen him several times walking solely along the side walk, & have passed him on the Champs Elysees, almost under his nose, & the goose hasn't seen me. - As usual it rains all the time, pour pour, how I hate this place, I am always wretched here. Some one is always sick or there is something disagreeable. -