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The young Lady's Letter to her Lover
DEAR WILLIAM: Not more welcome is the appearance of an inn to a weary traveler, than was your kind letter to me. But how is it possible that you should harbor the least suspicion of my fidelity! Does my William imagine that I would suffer the addresses of any fop or coxcomb, after I was bound in the most solemn manner-I mean by promise? and be assured I pay the same regard to my word as my oath. If there is ever an obstruction to our love, it must arise from yourself. My affections are too permanently fixed ever to be removed from the beloved object; and my happiness or misery will be in proportion to your conduct. The enclosed, from my father, will, I hope, be agreeable. I have not seen it, and therefore can only judge of its contents by the conversation last night at supper. When your letter was delivered, my honored father was extremely ill of a cold, so that I did not deliver it to him till next morning at breakfast; he retired to his closet to read it, and at dinner told me he would deliver me an answer in the evening. Accordingly, after supper, and the servants being retired, the best of parents spake as follows: "My dear child, from the principles of that education which you have received, I doubt not but you must be convinced that it is my duty to promote your interest so far as I am able; and how far my conduct as a father has been consistent with that rule, I appeal to yourself; your own conscience will witness whether I have not at all times studied to promote your interest; and it is with pleasure that I now say, that your filial duty was equal to my highest wishes. With respect to the subject of the letter you gave me this morning, I can only say, that I have no objection to your complying with the young gentleman's request, as I think it may be for your mutual happiness. Indeed, I had some suspicion of it before he left this place; but being well convinced of his merit, I was almost assured no step of that nature would be taken without my consent. That you have, and even my approbation.
May you both be as happy as I wish! I desire no more." Here the good man stopped; tears hindered him from proceeding, and me from making a reply. A scene of tenderness ensued, which you may feel, although I cannot describe it. His own letter will convince you, and you may make what use of it you please.
I cannot conclude without mentioning your conduct at the New-York ball. Were there none among so many beauties able to attract my William's notice? and will he at all times prefer my company to that of the gay and the beautiful? I will hope so; and happy shall I be if not disappointed. In hopes of hearing from you soon, I shall subscribe myself Yours forever.