We have had such a beautiful fortnight . Every day seemed dearer and happier than the last , and now it is ended and I feel as if it could never be the same again . Oh , I am very foolish -- but I love him so dearly and if I were to lose his love I know I would die . August 17 . I think my heart is dead . But no , it ca n't be , for it aches too much . Paul 's mother came here to see me to-day . She was not angry or disagreeable . I would n't have been so frightened of her if she had been . As it was , I felt that I could n't say a word . She is very beautiful and stately and wonderful , with a low , cold voice and proud , dark eyes . Her face is like Paul 's but without the loveableness of his . She talked to me for a long time and she said terrible things -- terrible , because I knew they were all true . I seemed to see everything through her eyes . She said that Paul was infatuated with my youth and beauty but that it would not last and what else I to give him ? She said Paul must marry a woman of his own class , who could do honor to his fame and position . She said that he was very talented and had a great career before him , but that if he married me it would ruin his life . I saw it all , just as she explained it out , and I told her at last that I would not marry Paul , and she might tell him so . But she smiled and said I must tell him myself , because he would not believe any one else . I could have begged her to spare me that , but I knew it would be of no use .
I do not think she has any pity or mercy XXXXX any one .
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