by the utmost self-violence , i curbed the imperious voice of wretchedness , which sometimes desired to declare itself to the whole world ; and my manners were calmer and more composed than they had ever been since my journey to the sea of ice.1 a few days before we left paris on our way to switzerland , i received the following letter from elizabeth : - `` my dear friend , -it gave me the greatest pleasure to receive a letter from my uncle dated at paris ; you are no longer at a formidable distance , and i may hope to see you in less than a fortnight .