Cumming, Ga., January 22, 1844

Mr. and Mrs. Valeer—­

Again I resume the pleasing task of addressing you, and once more beg an immediate answer to my many salutations.  From every circumstance that has taken place, I feel in duty bound to comply with my obligations; to forfeit my word would be more than I dare do; to break my pledge, and my vows that have been witnessed, sealed, and delivered in the presence of an unseen Deity, would be disgraceful on my part, as well as ruinous to Ambulinia.  I wish no longer to be kept in suspense about this matter.  I wish to act gentlemanly in every particular.  It is true, the promises I have made are unknown to any but Ambulinia, and I think it unnecessary to here enumerate them, as they who promise the most generally perform the least.  Can you for a moment doubt my sincerity or my character?  My only wish is, sir, that you may calmly and dispassionately look at the situation of the case, and if your better judgment should dictate otherwise, my obligations may induce me to pluck the flower that you so diametrically opposed.  We have sword by the saints—­by the gods of battle, and by that faith whereby just men are made perfect—­to be united.  I hope, my dear sir, you will find it convenient as well as agreeable to give me a favorable answer, with the signature of Mrs. Valeer, as well as yourself.

With very great esteem,

your humble servant,

J. I. Elfonzo.

The moon and stars had grown pale when Ambulinia had retired to rest.  A crowd of unpleasant thoughts passed through her bosom.  Solitude dwelt in her chamber—­no sound from the neighboring world penetrated its stillness; it appeared a temple of silence, of repose, and of mystery.  At that moment she heard a still voice calling her father.  In an instant, like the flash of lightning, a thought ran through her mind that it must be the bearer of Elfonzo’s communication.  “It is not a dream!” she said, “no, I cannot read dreams.  Oh!  I would to Heaven I was near that glowing eloquence—­that poetical language—­it charms the mind in an inexpressible manner, and warms the coldest heart.”  While consoling herself with this strain, her father rushed into her room almost frantic with rage, exclaiming:  “Oh, Ambulinia!  Ambulinia!! undutiful, ungrateful daughter!  What does this mean?  Why does this letter bear such heart-rending intelligence?  Will you quit a father’s house with this debased wretch, without a place to lay his distracted head; going up and down the country, with every novel object that many chance to wander through this region.  He is a pretty man to make love known to his superiors, and you, Ambulinia, have done but little credit to yourself by honoring his visits.  Oh, wretchedness! can it be that my hopes of happiness are forever blasted!  Will you not listen to a father’s entreaties, and pay some regard to a mother’s tears.