gar. But your own good sense will point out the propriety of what I have mentioned. Let me beg that you will come and spend a few weeks with us; and if you have any taste for rural and domestic life, I doubt not but you will be pleased.

I am, your affectionate cousin.

LETTER 102.

From a young Merchant in New York, to a Widow Lady in the Country.

MADAM,

Ever since I saw you at the Springs, when I was on a journey to the north, my mind has been continually ruminating on your many accomplishments. And although it is possible this may be rejected, yet I can no longer conceal a passion which has preyed upon my spirits these six weeks. I have been settled in business about three years; my success has been equal to my expectations, and is likewise increasing. My family is respectable though not rich; and as to the disparity of our ages, a few years will not make any difference, where the affections are placed on so lovely an object. I can only say, madam, that I prefer you to all the young ladies I have seen, and if business continues to increase, I shall be greatly in want of one of your prudence, to manage my domestic affairs.. Be assured, madam, that whatever time I can spare from the necessary duties of my profession, shall be devoted to your company, and every endeavor used to make your life both agreeable and happy. As you have relations in New York, they will give you every necessary information concerning my character and

circumstances, although I have not the pleasure of being known to them. If you will favor me with an answer to this, it will be ever esteemed a particular favor, and ac-knowledged with the sincerest respect, by

Your real admirer.

LETTER 103.

The Lady's Letter to her Brother, an Attorney, concerning the

DEAR BROTHER,

above.

You know that in all affairs of importance I have constantly acted by your advice, as I am still determined to do; and therefore have sent you enclosed the copy of a letter which I received by the post, from a young gentleman in New York, whom I have seen at the Springs. His behaviour here was polite without affectation, and an air of sincerity appeared in all he said. With respect to the subject he writes of, I will give you my own thoughts, and delay sending an answer until I have had your opinion.

I am at least a dozen years older than him, and possibly love, contracted where there is such difference in the ages of the parties, may terminate in want of respect on one side, and jealousy on the other. At present I am so pestered with rakes and coxcombs, that I would almost willingly give my hand to the first worthy person who offers. Indeed I have another reason for entering into the marriage state, and that is I would choose, as I advance in years, to have a friend to whom I might at all times be able to open my mind with freedom, and who would treat me with that tenderness which my sex enti

tles me to. I have been a widow six years, and whatever others may say, I have found it attended with many inconveniences, and far from that pleasing life many are ready to imagine. But after all, I will be directed by you, as my only real friend to whom I can apply; if you think proper you may inquire, and when I hear from you, I will send him an answer.

J

I am your affectionate sister.

LETTER 104.

The Brother's Answer.

DEAR SISTER,

I am glad to hear of your prudence in not being very hasty in an affair of so great importance, and upon which your happiness or misery in this world will inevitably depend. Your reasons against remaining any longer in a state of widowhood are what I much approve of, and it will give me great pleasure to promote your interest and happiness as far as I am able. I have inquired concerning Mr. Moreton, and every one gives him an excellent character. I have likewise conversed with him, and find him a very sensible young man. As to your objection concerning disparity of age, I do not think it has any great weight, and upon the whole I have but one reason against your union, and that is, that there is nothing more precarious than commerce, and the merchant who today has unlimited credit, may be tomorrow in the list of bankrupts. I do not urge this in order to prevent your happiness, but only that whilst you are free, you may take such measures as to secure a sufficiency against the worst. I would by no means dissuade you from complying with his

request, as he seems every way worthy of your choice, and I really think it may be for your mutual happiness. These dear sister, are my sentiments concerning this affair: but remember I leave it entirely to yourself, not doubting but you will proceed with the same prudence which you have heretofore shown.

I am, your affectionate brother. P.S. I would advise you to write to the young man as soon as possible.

SIR,

LETTER 105.

From the Lady to Mr. Moreton.

I received your letter, and my reason for delaying an answer, was, that I wanted first to consult my brother, whose opinion I had by the post yesterday. I freely acknowledge that you are far from being disagreeable, and the advantage on your part with respect to accomplishments are, I think, superior to mine. But these are but small matters when compared with what is absolutely necessary to make the marriage state happy. I mean an union of minds. Neither of us have had many opportunities of conversing together, and when you had you did not mention any thing of this. I have no objection against marrying, were I assured of being no worse than at present; but there is such a variety of unforeseen accidents happening in the world, and all conspiring together to promote dissentions in families, that we can never be too careful how to fix our choice. I shall not, sir, from what I have seen of your behaviour, and heard of your character, have any objection against your request; but I con

fess I am afraid you have been rather too precipitate in your choice, and although my person may have engaged your attention, yet I am afraid all those charms you so much extol are not sufficient to keep you loyal to the marriage vow. But I will hope the best, and believe you are as virtuous as you are represented; nor will I give my hand to any but you. In the mean time I shall be glad to hear that you continue your visits to my brother; you will find him one of the most worthy persons you ever conversed with, and much esteemed for his knowledge in the law. I have now given you leave to write as often as you please, as I hope all your letters will be interesting and as to the time to be fixed for any thing else, I shall leave it entirely to be settled by yourself and my brother, and am, dear sir,

Yours, sincerely.

LETTER 106.

From a young Gentleman, in expectation of an estate from a penurious Uncle, to a young Lady of small fortune, desiring her to elope with him.

MY DEAR MARIA,

My uncle's laying his injunction upon me not to see you any more, has only served to add fuel to my pas. sion. I cannot live without you, and if you persist in refusing to comply, I am miserable forever. I pay no regard to his threatenings, when put in competition with the love I have for you. Do not be afraid of poverty; if he should continue inexorable, I have still education sufficient to procure a genteel employment in one of the public offices, where I may rise to preferment. Therefore,