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The Father's Answer

DEAR NANCY: You must believe that your sister's unadvised marriage, which she must know would be disagreeable to me, gives me no small concern; and yet I will assure you that it arises more from my affection for her, than any other consideration. In her education, I took all the pains and care my circumstances would admit, and often flattered myself with the hope that the happy fruits of it would be made to appear in her prudent conduct. What she has now done is not vicious, but indiscreet; you must remember, that I have often declared, in her hearing, that the wild assertion of a rake making a good husband, was the most dangerous opinion a young woman could imbibe I will not however, in pity to her, point out the many ills I am afraid will attend her rashness, because it is done, and cannot be helped; but wish she may be happier than I ever saw a woman who leaped so fatal a precipice.

Her husband has this morning been with me for her fortune; and it was with much decision I told him that, as all she could hope for was at my disposal, I should disburse it in such a manner as I thought would most contribute to her advantage; and that, as he was a stranger to me, I should choose to know how he deserved it, before he had the power over what I intended for her. He bit his lip, and with a hasty step was my humble servant.

Tell the rash girl I would not have her to be afflicted at this behavior in me; for I know it will contribute to her advantage one way or other; if he married her for her own sake, she will find no alteration of behavior from this disappointment; but if he married only for her money, she will soon be glad to find it in my possession, rather than his.

Your interposition in her behalf is very sisterly; and you see I have not the resentment she might expect. But I truly wish that she had acted with your prudence; for her own sake I wish it.

I am your loving father.