After much deliberation, Sir George has determined to write to
Emily, inclose his mother's letter, and call in the afternoon to enjoy
the triumph of his generosity in keeping his engagement, when it is in
his power to do so much better: 'tis a pretty plan, and I encourage him
in it; my father, who wishes the match, shrugs his shoulders, and
frowns at me; but the little man is fixed as fate in his resolve, and
is writing at this moment in my father's apartment. I long to see his
letter; I dare say it will be a curiosity: 'tis short, however, for he
is coming out of the room already.
Adieu! my father calls for this letter; it is to go in one of his to
New York, and the person who takes it waits for it at the door.
Ever yours,
A. Fermor.
LETTER 59.
To Miss Montague, at Silleri.
Dear Madam,
I send you the inclosed from my mother: I thought it necessary you
should see it, though not even a mother's wishes shall ever influence
me to break those engagements which I have had the happiness of
entering into with the most charming of women, and which a man of honor
ought to hold sacred.
I do not think happiness intirely dependent on rank or fortune, and
have only to wish my mother's sentiments on this subject more agreable
to my own, as there is nothing I so much wish as to oblige her: at all
events, however, depend on my fulfilling those promises, which ought to
be the more binding, as they were made at a time when our situations
were more equal.
I am happy in an opportunity of convincing you and the world, that
interest and ambition have no power over my heart, when put in
competition with what I owe to my engagements; being with the greatest
truth,
My dearest Madam,
Yours, &c.
G. Clayton.
You will do me the honor to name the day to make me happy.
LETTER 60.
To Sir George Clayton, at Quebec.
Dear Sir,
I have read Mrs. Clayton's letter with attention; and am of her
opinion, that indiscreet engagements are better broke than kept.
I have the less reason to take ill your breaking the kind of
engagement between us at the desire of your family, as I entered into
it at first entirely in compliance with mine. I have ever had the
sincerest esteem and friendship for you, but never that romantic love
which hurries us to forget all but itself: I have therefore no reason
to expect in you the imprudent disinterestedness that passion
occasions.
A fuller explanation is necessary on this subject than it is
possible to enter into in a letter: if you will favor us with your
company this afternoon at Silleri, we may explain our sentiments more
clearly to each other: be assured, I never will prevent your complying
in every instance with the wishes of so kind and prudent a mother.
I am, dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend
and obedient servant,
Emily Montague.
LETTER 61.
To Miss Rivers, Clarges Street.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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