Dear Madam:—
I know only too well that I am taking a very unusual step in venturing to address you, but let me trust that under the circumstances you will be inclined to excuse it, as unfortunately there appears to be no other course open to me of making myself known. Your beauty has inspired me with a most sincere admiration, and the various occasions on which I have had the pleasure of seeing you have served but to deepen the impression at first created; thus the one hope that animates me in writing, is that you may be induced to return my affection and ultimately become my wife. My position and means would, probably, be found satisfactory to your friends, and I trust you will give me an early opportunity of pleading my suit in person, and of offering every possible explanation to your relatives respecting my prospects in life. In the meantime, I should tell you that I have lately become a junior partner in the well-known firm of Messrs. Andrews Bros. civil engineers and contractors, of this city, and am thoroughly able to maintain a wife in comfort, if not in luxury. Kindly accept my enclosed photograph. Dare I hope that it may silently speak for me?
Believe me, dear madam, with humblest apology for my boldness,
Yours most respectfully,
Sylvester Langdon.
Miss Ethel Dunlap.
177. Answer to the Above (Favorable).
C——, May 16, 19—.
Dear Sir:—
Your letter received this morning surprised me greatly, coming from an entire stranger. I at once showed it to my aunt, with whom I am staying, and she considers it so straightforward, that she sees no objection to your calling on her, especially as she is slightly acquainted with some members of your family. My aunt will be at home about four o'clock, but you must not consider this permission to call as an encouragement of your hopes on my part. It is merely an opportunity afforded by my relative of our becoming acquainted.