I truly believe you must have realized, for some time, how much pleasure I take in your society, how greatly I have been attracted by your many charms, and how deeply I admire all your amiable qualities. I am only one of the many who have already told you this, but still venture to hope that I am not altogether indifferent to you. Your friends will perhaps tell you that I am old enough to be your father, and that a man with grown-up daughters ought not to think of making so young a girl his wife, but in spite of my being well over forty, my sympathies and affections are as keen as if I were twenty years younger, and if you will accept me, it shall be the study of my life to make you happy. You would be a sister and companion to my girls, and to myself the most beloved of wives. Will not press you to give me an answer at once; take time to consider if you think it would be for your happiness to link your fate with mine. How grateful I should be if you decide in my favor! Believe me in the meantime,

Very faithfully yours,
Henry B. Lowell.

199. Answer to the Above (Favorable).

F——, July 13, 19—.

Dear Mr. Lowell:—

I have thought for some time over the contents of your kind letter, that I might be quite sure I was taking a wise decision. It is not the difference of age between us that has made me a little doubtful as to what would be my welcome in your family; but whether my coming amongst you in this position would not make things unpleasant for you as well as for myself. Your daughters are great friends of mine, it is true, but would they not feel aggrieved at my being the mistress of a house over which they have themselves had sole control? However, I am perhaps too sensitive in this matter, and it should be wrong to sacrifice your happiness and my own to an idea which perhaps is unfounded. Enough has been said for you to understand the feelings with which I regard you, and if, after reading this letter, you still think I could make you happy, I will offer no further objections to your wishes.

Believe me, dear Mr. Lowell,

Very truly yours,
Irma Denslow.