346 'GOD'S PEACE'
given up any thought of returning, and that my part in literary and public life for the future must consist merely in writing books. That the book he expects will soon arrive^ and that it will be followed by others which will just as little resemble my former ones. That I have pitched my tent on Rough-Hill, where the air is pure and clear, where life's meaning is easily understood, where passion is deeper and sensations more simple. Ending by saying that my happiness is so sure that it needs neither repentance nor accusations, but that on the contrary it can afford to be thankful for all past things, for without these it would not be so great.
Before sending off my answer, I showed the pub- lisher's letter to Greta. After reading it, and waiting for a minute, she said : ' This gives me a chance of telling you something I have been think- ing ever since that day on the ice. I dare not keep you here ; for a short time you will be con- tent, but sooner or later all that you came from will call you back. This is both right and natural, and therefore you ought to know that I don't want to be a hindrance to you. Do as you will and as you must, and do with me as you please. Leave me here, if you fear that I should become a stumb- ling block in your career, which you have every reason to think after my silly behaviour the other day. Or take me with you, if you think I can be of use to you; and if you can trust my word that I am quite cured from my foolishness I am willing to go with you wherever you wish.
