L E T T E R S

90heart-felt. Being a young love, it is sometimes inconsistent. The tone of thisletter is surely an indication of that.May God pardon this inconsistency, and may He grant my dear Counthealth, a long and happy life on earth, and eternal salvation.N.B. The expression "God grant" is no longer a mere poeticexclamation for me. Thank God, it is not! This old sinner and apostate hasgrown weary of traveling the wild and devious paths of error in search ofearthly rewards. It has been three years now since this prodigal son hasreturned to the home of his Father - with humble faith a Catholic once more.This is the most important news from me and about me. This is my only joyand consolation in the midst of the poverty and troubles that have sounexpectedly engulfed me here. But this has not been in vain. I feel it wouldhave been difficult, almost impossible, to escape from the despotism ofphilosophical prejudice anywhere else, and so regain the true faith whichmake my hope eternal.Once again, Your Honor, forgive a school boy's love, and keep me inyour loving memory.Bogdan JańskiParis, June 7, 1837Address: Count Frederick SkarbekState Councillor and General Director of Social Welfare for theKingdom ofPoland, WarsawFootnotes