Faraday to Sarah Barnard   12 February 1821

February 12, 1821.

Do you know I felt a little angry with Edward on first reading your letter, not because he had in some measure prevented me from seeing you this evening, but because, from what you say, he seems to have been a little vexed with you for something arising out of your affection for me; and, as that is a thing which above all others that I possess I value most, so it is one which, though touched in the slightest manner, would soonest put me in a blaze. What! a feeling so kind, so merciful, so good, so disinterested, can it give rise to anything wrong? I shall expect that Edward and all others will take it for granted, even against their own reasoning, that whatever that feeling suggests to you you will be right and proper. I must have respect paid to it greater than is paid to myself. All who play with or neglect it, venture that play or disrespect to me on a point upon which, least of all others, I am at all tractable....

May every blessing attend you, and, above all, that of a happy mind.

From your devoted | M. Faraday