Dear Miss Sutter:—
Lately I have had the happiness of meeting you very frequently at the houses of mutual friends, and each occasion has served to strengthen the impression made upon me on first seeing you. I should consider myself the most fortunate of men if I could persuade you to accept me as your future husband. Though well aware of the disparity of age that exists between us, I trust that you will not regard it as a bar to my happiness. I am still, if I say so myself, in the prime of life, and the experience my years give me will better enable me to shield your youth, and be protector and considerate counselor, as well as the most devoted of husbands, if you will give me the right to be so.
Although not a rich man by any means, still I can offer you every possible comfort that easy circumstances permit. As to my position and surroundings, they are well known to you. I trust I have not been premature in disclosing my hopes, and that they may receive favorable consideration at your hands.
Pray believe me, dear Miss Sutter,
Very faithfully yours,
Charles Grant Lewis.
188. Answer to the Above (Favorable).
B——, January 17, 19—.
Dear Mr. Lewis:—
I deeply appreciate the honor you have done me in asking for my hand. Although I have always entertained a great esteem and regard for you, I had not, hitherto, thought of you as a lover; but perhaps, in time, may feel the affection which is due from a woman to the one who is to be her husband; only you must be content to wait a little, and not expect too much at first. Allow me to add that my heart is quite disengaged, and that you have no rival to contend with, merely the ideal hero who finds a place in the imagination of most girls. My sister thinks that I am very fortunate to have won your affections, and she hopes that you will soon give her an opportunity of telling you so. I shall remain here for the next three weeks, when mamma is coming up for a few days to take me back home. I have written to her of your letter, and shall doubtless receive an answer soon.