Your letter has made me very happy. For some time, I have believed that you cared for me; how could I think otherwise, from the way in which you constantly devoted yourself to me? Still, I was very glad to receive the confession of your sincere attachment, and will not attempt to conceal how truly I return it, and how earnestly I shall endeavor to prove worthy of your devotion. I feel sure, that there is perfect sympathy between us, and that my happiness will be as safe in your hands as yours will be in mine.
My father has been told of your proposal, and wishes me to say, that he will be pleased to hear from you.
Believe me yours,
Always affectionately,
Isabella Jones.
184. Marriage Proposal from a Gentleman of Small Means.
C——, May 19, 19—.
Dear Miss Southgate:—
For several days I have been pondering in my mind whether it would be best to write or speak to you on the subject that is nearest to my heart, or whether it would be wiser for your sake to keep silence altogether; however, I have now decided to plead my cause as best I can.
Do you think you could be happy as the wife of a poor man? would you be content to wait until such time as my income would justify me in marrying? would the knowledge that my heart is all your own induce you to feel a corresponding affection for me? or am I asking too much? Would you be afraid to enter into a long engagement, an engagement of perhaps two years? Although I am not in a position to maintain a wife at the present time, my prospects are encouraging, as my uncle has promised to take me into partnership early next year, which will materially improve my position. In the meantime, the knowledge that I am working for you will brighten every hour of my life, while for your goodness in thus waiting and trusting, no after-devotion on my part can ever repay.
I hope your answer will not be long delayed, as my anxiety will be great, indeed.