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The Lady's Answer

SIR: I received your letter last night, and as it was on a subject I had not yet any thoughts of, you will not wonder when I tell you I was a good deal surprised.

Although I have seen and familiarly conversed with you at different times, yet I had not the most distant thoughts of your making proposals of such a nature.

Some of your sex have often asserted that we are fond of flattery, and very much pleased with praise; I shall therefore suppose you one of that class, and excuse you for those encomiums bestowed upon me in your letter; but am afraid, were I to comply with your proposals, you would soon be convinced that the charms you mention, and seem to value so much, are merely exterior appearances, which like the summer's flower, will very soon fade, and all those mighty professions of love will end at last either in indifference, or, which is worse, disgust. My worthy guardian, Mr. Melvill, is now at his seat at Bloomingdale, and his conduct has been so much like that of a parent, that I do not choose to take one step in an affair of such importance without both mingdale, his consent and approbation. There is an appearance of sincerity running through your letter; but there is one particular to which I have a very strong objection: you say that you live with your mother, yet you do not say that you have either communicated your sentiments to her or to your other relatives. I must freely and honestly tell you that as I would not disoblige my own relatives, neither would I, on any consideration, admit of any addresses contrary to the inclinations of yours. If you can clear up this to my satisfaction, I shall send you a more explicit answer, and am, sir, Your most obedient humble servant.