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From the Lady to Mr. Moreton

SIR: I received your letter, and my reason for delaying an answer, was, that I wanted first to consult my brother, whose opinion I had by the post yesterday. I freely acknowledge that you are far from being disagreeable, and the advantages on your part with respect to accomplishments are, I think, superior to mine. But these are but small matters when compared with what is absolutely necessary to make the marriage state happy. I mean a union of minds. We have not had many opportunities of conversing together, and when you had, we did not mention anything of this. I have no objection against marrying, were I assured of being no worse than at present; but there is such a variety of unforeseen accidents happening in the world, and all conspiring together to promote dissensions in families, that we can never be too careful how to fix our choice. I shall not, sir, from what I have seen of your behavior, and heard of your character, have any objection against your request; but I confess I am afraid you have been rather too precipitate in your choice; and although my person may have engaged your vow. attention, yet I am afraid all those charms you so much extol are not sufficient to keep you loyal to the marriage But I will hope the best, and believe you as virtuous as you are represented; nor will I give my hand to any but you. In the meantime I shall be glad to hear that you continue your visits to my brother; you will find him one of the most worthy persons you ever conversed with, and much esteemed for his knowledge in the law. I have now given you leave to write as often as you please, as I hope all your letters will be interesting; and as to the time to be fixed for anything else, I leave it entirely to be settled by yourself and my brother, and am, dear sir, Yours sincerely.