his resolution, acquiesced with the most pious resignation. But
Mrs. Grizzle, in order to give the lady a more favourable idea
of his intellects than his conversation could possibly inspire,
resolved to dictate a letter, which her brother should transcribe
and transmit to his mistress as the produce of his own understanding,
and had actually composed a very tender billet for this purpose;
yet her intention was entirely frustrated by the misapprehension
of the lover himself, who, in consequence of his sister's repeated
admonitions, anticipated her scheme, by writing, for himself, and
despatching the letter one afternoon, while Mrs. Grizzle was visiting
at the parson's.

Neither was this step the effect of his vanity or precipitation;
but having been often assured by his sister that it was absolutely
necessary for him to make a declaration of his love in writing,
he took this opportunity of acting in conformity with her advice,
when his imagination was unengaged or undisturbed by any other
suggestion, without suspecting in the least that she intended to
save him the trouble of exercising his own genius. Left, therefore,
as he imagined, to his own inventions, he sat down, and produced
the following morceau, which was transmitted to Miss Appleby, before
his sister and counsellor had the least intimation of the affair:--

"Miss Sally Appleby.
"Madam,--Understanding you have a parcel of heart, warranted
sound, to be disposed of, shall be pleased to treat for said
commodity, on reasonable terms; doubt not, shall agree for
same; shall wait on you for further information, when and where
you shall appoint. This the needful from--Yours, etc.
"Gam. Pickle."