175. Answer to No. 173 (Unfavorable).
S——, November 12, 19—.
Dear Phillip:—
Your last letter was a complete surprise to me. I cannot but feel honored by the kind regard of one for whom I harbor no sentiment but respect and admiration, but am quite sure that our friendship, so pleasantly begun, can never ripen into any deeper relation.
I am very sorry to seem unappreciative. While thanking you for the honor you have paid me, I am so clear that my view of the matter is right, that I believe a fuller consideration on your part will convince you also of the same. I must ask your pardon for not having observed earlier the course of your thought toward me, but did not know that you regarded our friendship in so serious a light. Forgive me and believe me,
Your sincere friend,
Eleanor Lyman.
176. Marriage Proposal to a Lady to whom the Writer has never been Introduced.
C——, May 15, 19—.