This page has been validated.

14

your heart is not already engaged, cousider if the trust love, the tenderest affection, the sincerest respect and duty, has any influence in your breast; reflect on this, and, if possible, send a happy reply
To your faithful and anxiously expecting

Valentine.

Dear Amelia,
Pardon the liberty I have taken in embracing the opportunity this day affords to acquaint you with my sincere passion. I have long admired your gentle and unassuming manners, your charming face, and elegant form, and find my heart quite subdued. My destiny is totally in your power either to be most happy or most miserable. Do not keep me in suspense, but frankly say if you can love me in return; and if you favour me with an interview, as I imagine you will guess the hand-writing, we may perhaps appoint the day that shall unite us in love and happiness. From your faithful

Valentine.

Dear Maria,
You must not suppose I write this with intent to flatter you more than your merits deserves, when I assure you, that your engaging conversation and gentle manners have made a