A

lthough in most respects Mrs. Corning's diary and Mr. Acton's letter were in agreement, on a few occasions they provided somewhat differing accounts of events. Mrs. Corning's diary in respect to the green-house incident as described by Acton is an example. But respectable ladies and gentlemen are advised to skip this item as it is even more indiscrete than Mr. Acton's letter on the subject:

Oliver and I whirled about the empty green-house until we were quite out of breath. But my heart was bursting for more than want of air. Dancing with him was all the encouragement my heart needed to swell with gladness and desire. And so when we stopped and I looked at him in the eyes, oh! what a strange feeling it gave me to look in those eyes. I wanted - more than anything I have ever wanted - to kiss him and I did not restrain myself. As I did, a spark leapt from my lips to his - what could that mean?

I think I desire him more than I ever desired my husband. Is that possible? As we kissed, I could feel his passion rising as well, and he caressed my bosom, which caused an unbearable excitement in my most feminine place. Then he kissed my neck and shoulders - he pushed my dress down from my shoulders to kiss the bare skin, and then in another moment, he had bared my breasts. He stood looking at them for a moment, then cupped each and held them up, as if he were a country fair judge weighing two prize-winning melons. The left one, I suppose winning the judgment, was kissed first, then the right. I'm afraid I swooned at that moment, my passion was so unbearably strong, and as I collapsed he came down with me to the floor. He was panting and looked like a wild animal - he was a thrilling sight to behold. But then one of the damned working men called from outside - he had forgotten something, and Oliver jumped up in a hurry and went to him. I remained seated on the floor - it was of course a most compromising position and I preferred not to be seen if I could help it - although to be sure I was on my own property and had every right to do as I pleased. I made myself decent again and stood up when the working man left - but Oliver did not return to me. He remained outside the green-house, looking at me for a moment with an odd expression on his face. I held my arms open for him, but he turned and quickly went away. Perhaps he felt ashamed by his bold actions and was afraid I was upset with him for taking advantage of me. I hope it is that and nothing worse. I am hoping for the best. Oh how I wish I was holding my darling in my arms right at this moment.

(To be continued...)