200. Answer to the Above (Unfavorable).
F——, July 12, 19—.
Dear Mr. Lowell:—
Much as I like and esteem you, I nevertheless shrink from the responsibility of the position you offer me. Such a step would be neither for your happiness nor for mine. Your daughters would very naturally regard me as an intruder, and would feel very pained at your marrying a girl as young as themselves. I am quite serious in what I say, and am not at all likely to think differently; let us therefore hope that you will soon view my decision in the same light, that is to say, as the only fitting one under the circumstances.
With all good wishes,
Yours very truly,
Irma Denslow.
201. Marriage Proposal to an Heiress.
M——, September 10, 19—.
Dear Miss Simpson:—
Ever since I have had the happiness of visiting you, on a friendly basis, the one wish of my heart has been to become worthy of you, and to succeed in winning your affections. I know that you have many admirers, but none, believe me, more devoted than myself. Of course, I have the disadvantage in the eyes of your friends of being poor and they may endeavor to make you believe that it is the heiress I love; but do not think so badly of me, dear Miss Simpson, as to entertain so cruel a suspicion of one who, if you were penniless, would be proud to prove his devotion to you. It is idle to distress you and myself with such doubts; let me rather assure you of my unchanging love, and of my confidence that, with youth and hope in my favor, I have a bright career opening before me. For the fulfillment of my wishes, I should be content to wait any time that you and your friends might consider expedient, provided you gave me the assurance that you returned my affection, and would lighten my probation by your sympathy and encouragement.