ABSTRACT
I would advise every one to think seriously upon the subject; but let them do this before their a ections are so far interested as to blind their reason, or mislead their judgment. – is was the method I pursued, and I can now look forward with a delight serene and tranquil. I scruple not to confess to you, that Augustus Fitzmaurice is dear to my heart. I believe the attachment to be mutual. On my side it has been gradually progressive; – I was not attracted by the rst view. I remember, I then thought the tout ensemble of his person pleasing, and his manners something more than agreeable. As our intimacy increased, I discovered in
him many amiable propensities. Time still kept unfolding fresh perfections to my observation. His particular attention soon shewed that on me depended his happiness. – On examining my heart, I found mine was little less dependent upon him. I set myself to peruse with scrutinizing attention the volume of his mind, again and again; and, a er the most/ mature deliberation, my reason united with my a ection to declare in his favor. At length he avowed to me his sentiments, and solicited a return of tenderness. I acknowledged a preference in his favor; he received the confession with gratitude; but has since presumed so far upon it as to extort from me, by repeated entreaties, a promise to give him my hand at the altar, as soon a er our arrival in England as conveniency permits. us, you see, I am brought into the situation of wife elect. Yet no idea of all the matronly cares attendant upon that character, no fear that my Augustus may ever prove less amiable, or that my felicity may be less perfect or less permanent in the matrimonial than in the single state, has had su cient power over my mind to add one line of gravity to my features. Conscious that my attachment is founded on a solid esteem for his virtues, I regard its basis as durable: I am therefore proud of my choice, and feel too much satisfaction in it for one uneasy apprehensive thought to nd room.
