This missive is written solely in French, the lettering is still precise, but there seems to be a few heavy ink spots, most likely signifying hesitation.
13 December 1890
Dear Mr. Crouch,In my necessity to convey my adoration and esteem, I fear I have put you in a most uncomfortable position. I had hoped, in the anonymity of an owl, that I would be free of my hesitations to speak my mind. Certainly, I conveyed more to you than I would ever say to a man in person, but I fear I might have offended you in my rashness. Please accept my apologies, but know that I stand by my initial praise. Reason tells me to hold my peace, but to say the truth, reason, and matters of the heart keep little company together nowadays.
Yours,
Anon
Anon
![[Image: NpMgQU7.png]](https://i.imgur.com/NpMgQU7.png)