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Theſe are truths that I am afraid will be diſagreeable to you, and therefore it is with pain I write them; but, my dear Papa, what pain would it give to you to ſee me made for ever miſerable! I know what would ſhorten my days, would put an end to your's, ſo great is your affection. The ſenſe of that affection, and my own love and gratitude to you, the beſt of parents, will make me ſubmit to anything. Do by me as you pleaſe, but pray think of the conſequences; and believe me to be,
Your moſt dutiful, affectionate,
And obedient Daughter,
Mary Dutiful.
LETTER XI.
From a young Gentleman to a Lady, with
whom he is in Love.
Madam,
I have three times attempted to give you a verbal relation of the contents of this Letter, but my heart as often failed. I know not in what light it may be conſidered, only if I can form any notion of my own heart from the impreſſion made on it by your many amiable accompliſhments, my happineſs in this world will, in a great meaſure, depend on your anſwer. I am not too precipitate, Madam, nor would I deſire your hand, if your heart did not accompany it. My circumſtances are independent, and my character hitherto unblemiſhed, of which you ſhall have the moſt undoubted proof. You have already ſeen ſome of my relations at your aunt's in Bond-
