Believe me, dear Miss Southgate,
Yours very faithfully,
Arthur Redfield.
185. Answer to the Above (Favorable).
O——, May 10, 19—.
Dear Mr. Redfield:—
It would not be truthful for me to say that I am surprised at the contents of your letter; on the contrary, I almost knew beforehand what you were anxious to say to me and what I was anxious to hear. You cannot suppose I should be afraid to be a poor man's wife; my love would be little worth having if it were so: no, I do not dread a long engagement, it will give us time to know each other better; my attachment to you is sufficiently strong to bear the strain. I am not afraid that your feelings will undergo a change towards me, or that mine will alter towards you. Indeed, should either of us cease to love the other it would only prove how wise we were to put our affection to the test by waiting.
My mother, I am sorry to say, entertains a prejudice against long engagements; she has no real objection to this particular one, however, as she has a personal liking for you, so I think she will not oppose the realization of our wishes, as she will know that my happiness is so deeply concerned, and together I hope we shall make her believe that she approves of our attachment and of our engagement.
I shall hope to see you to-morrow; dear Mr. Redfield,
Believe me,
Yours lovingly,
Mabel Southgate.