I cannot hide from myself that he appreciates me. Time will show, however, if this is anything more than a fleeting summer-holiday fancy. He is still very young, his age is only twenty-four, but really he seems much younger, as if he was still untouched by life. With regard to myself, I hardly know what position I should take in case things took a serious turn, and I cannot make myself reflect over this and take up a position accordingly; such a course being against my nature. Of course, when one can be accused of having 'encouraged' a young man—I think that is the expression—or even of having 'flirted' with him, which often only means having been gay, natural, and having given way to moods, and then when it comes to the point drawing back, which means not being willing to follow him to the ends of the earth; well, then, of course, one is a horror, or, at any rate, a rather contemptible person. For my part, I think it would be extremely foolish and stupid if two people dare not so much as look at each other because their acquaintance might culminate in love, which, after all, is not bound to be unhappy. Then again, mere friendship can exist between man and woman, and the greatest possible advantages may result from such companionship. No, if I started such calculating considerations I should always feel both conceited and foolish. In short, I very much like this Mr. Fenger, and to talk with him is both pleasant and in many ways instructive. But perhaps you now think that I am, if not actually taking a false step, nevertheless upon a dangerous path?"
After this followed the finishing remarks, and the signature, "Your friend."
