His Return To Mr Bird
Dec. 12. Shidiak returned, after nearly a month's absence, to continue
with me for a year, risking whatever obloquy and violence might come
upon him. He has just been obliged to give up an advantageous contract
of marriage, into which he had some months ago entered, because, since
suspicions were afloat that he is heretical in his notions, the father
of the girl required him to bring a letter from the patriarch,
specifying what office he would give him. He now gives up all intentions
of marriage. For his greater security, I am to procure for him the usual
written protection of the English consul, which shall insure to him,
while in my immediate employ, all the safety and liberty of an English
resident.