Here it is, my dear Aza! that I may again hope to see you; my happiness every day grows greater by this particular circumstance. The interview assigned me by Deterville is just passed, and whatever pleasures I promised to myself in overcoming the dangers and difficulties of a long journey, of preventing you, of meeting your foot-steps, I sacrifice it all, without regret, to the welcome prospect of seeing you sooner.

Deterville has proved to me in so indisputable a manner, that you may be here in less time than I can travel to Spain, that though he generously gave me my choice, I did not hesitate a moment in my determination, time being too precious to be unnecessarily wasted.

I should perhaps have examined this advantage more carefully, if, before I made my choice, I had not gained such intelligence with regard to my journey, as made me secretly resolve what part to take, and that secret I can trust to you only.

I remember, that in the long route which brought me to Paris, Deterville gave pieces of silver, and sometimes of gold, at all the places where we stopt. I enquired if this was expected from him, or if it was merely the effects of his generosity; and was informed, that in France, travellers pay not only for their food, but even for their lodging.

Alas! I have not the smallest portion of what would be necessary to satisfy the cravings of this greedy people; all must come from Deterville: And you are already sensible how much I owe him, and how shameful it would be to renew my obligations! which if I did, it would be with the utmost reluctance, such as nothing but absolute necessity could oblige me to submit to. Can I willingly make myself a still greater debtor to the man who has done and suffered so much for me? I cannot, my dear Aza; and this is sufficient to make me resolve to remain on this spot. The pleasure of seeing you sooner, is a stronger motive to confirm my resolution.