recovered calm, I will begin with what you write about Mr. Hickman.

Give me leave to say, That I am sorry you cannot yet persuade yourself to
think better, that is to say, more justly, of that gentleman, than your
whimsical picture of him shews you so; or, at least, than the
humourousness of your natural vein would make one think you do.

I do not imagine, that you yourself will say, he sat for the picture you
have drawn. And yet, upon the whole, it is not greatly to his
disadvantage. Were I at ease in my mind, I would venture to draw a much
more amiable and just likeness.

If Mr. Hickman has not that assurance which some men have, he has that
humility and gentleness which many want: and which, with the infinite
value he has for you, will make him one of the fittest husbands in the
world for a person of your vivacity and spirit.

Although you say I would not like him myself, I do assure you, if Mr.
Solmes were such a man as Mr. Hickman, in person, mind, and behaviour, my
friends and I had never disagreed about him, if they would not have
permitted me to live single; Mr. Lovelace (having such a character as he
has) would have stood no chance with me. This I can the more boldly
aver, because I plainly perceive, that of the two passions, love and
fear, this man will be able to inspire one with a much greater proportion
of the latter, than I imagine is compatible with the former, to make a
happy marriage.

I am glad you own, that you like no one better than Mr. Hickman. In a
little while, I make no doubt, you will be able, if you challenge your
heart upon it, to acknowledge, that you like not any man so well: