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.

I have been with Emily, who has been reading Mrs. Clayton's letter; I
saw joy sparkle in her eyes as she went on, her little heart seemed to
flutter with transport; I see two things very clearly, one of which
is, that she never loved this little insipid Baronet; the other I leave