L E T T E R S

98Letter Nr. 23Paris, May 18, 1832Dear Stephen,I received your letter dated December 23 /1831/ only on March 15th/1832/ together with a letter from Mr. Lanckoroński. Please accept my deepestand most sincere apologies for being so late with my response. On the otherhand, since December you could have written again, especially when there wasnews to be communicated. 1 As for me, one of the circumstances that delayedmy response was the impossibility of my writing to the Board before I hadreached a certain definite decision concerning my return. However, now /?/ Ihave communicated that decision to them. That decision is based on theconclusion that, for many, many reasons, I cannot return to our country at thistime. 2 One of the most unpleasant consequences of this decision is that I shallnot see you, my dear brothers, in the near future. What can I do, since itcannot be otherwise? I must stolidly commend myself to the will of God, andnot lose confidence in his almighty goodness.You ask my advice about where you should continue your studies. 3Unfortunately, your choice of places is not very large. I would be mostdelighted to have you with me; but since you have already made otherarrangements, that is that. In any case, let virtue and hard work be theprinciples that guide your conduct. Persevere in your efforts in spite of alldifficulties. Your last letters lead me to guess that you love Theresa. 4 Thatis very good. However, for the love of God, do not be in any hurry. Actprudently, so as not to harm your future. I am not at all aware of thecircumstances in which you find yourself today. Since I do not know yourplans. Therefore, I cannot give you any special advice. The news that you sentme filled me with a great sadness. The most painful news for me was what youwrote about Alexandra. 5