Pagina 408 van 817

"Be not alarmed, madam, on receiving this letter, by the

apprehension of its containing any repetition of those

sentiments, or renewal of those offers, which were last night so

disgusting to you. I write without any intention of paining you,

or humbling myself, by dwelling on wishes, which, for the

happiness of both, cannot be too soon forgotten; and the effort

which the formation and the perusal of this letter must occasion,

should have been spared, had not my character required it to be

written and read. You must, therefore, pardon the freedom with

which I demand your attention; your feelings, I know, will bestow

it unwillingly, but I demand it of your justice.