The time was when the privilege was mine of beginning my letters to you with a warmer show of love than the above word contains,--when I might and did call you dearest; but I lost that privilege through my own folly, and since that it has been accorded to another. 
Once I had the privilege of beginning my letters to you with a warmer show of love than 'dear' - when I could call you dearest; but I lost that privilege through my own folly, and since then it has been granted to another. 