L E T T E R S

6Letter Nr. 2Berlin, November 6, 1828Dear Alexandra,Because I realize that someone beside yourself may read my letter toyou, I will always include a separate note, meant for you alone, which you areto burn each time after you have read it. On the supposition that there will alsobe others who read your letters to me, I urge you also, when you write to me,regularly include a separate and secret note, in which you will tell me of yoursituation there: how you are treated by your father and mother and by all ofthose with whom you live; what you have heard; your recent experiences – in aword, everything that you would not write for others to see. I am very seriouswhen I urge you to do this. Remember too, it was with tears in your eyes thatyou promised to write. Write soon. Write at length. Do it yourself.Alexandra, the only one for me always, forgive me for what I am aboutto write. Forgive me, since I must confess to you that today, so far from you,when I recall the smallest details of our relationship, and when I reflect onwhat I did for you and what you have done and are now doing for me – when Iremember all this, when I cannot stifle the voice of memory, the blood growscold in my veins, and my feelings are aroused. Today at least, it is not just pitythat I feel. Remember: From now on, your little faults will not evoke the leastreproach from me. But (if your persist in those faults) you would surely bemost unfair and most ungrateful.Alexandra, my wife, remember: At the moment of death you will behaunted for every breach of your promise, for every infidelity – not only formeeting with Witold Łuszczewski or some other man, but even with Mrs.Gordon, or one of the ladies of your past acquaintance. I know that youmanage to pull the wool over the eyes of people who ask about these pastevents, but this only demonstrates that your conscience does not yet speak to