I was greatly surprised at the receipt of your letter, and can only hope you are mistaken in supposing your daughter to be interested in me. I flatter myself that she regards me as a friend, and as such have a sincere admiration and esteem for her; but it is my duty to say that I entertain no feeling of love towards her, and that I have only paid her such attentions as are due from a gentleman to a lady in whose society he is frequently thrown. Under these circumstances, I conclude you would wish me to discontinue my visits at your house and I shall do so with much regret. With the kindest remembrance of the hospitality I have there received and with compliments to Mrs. Redding,
Believe me,
Very truly yours,
Alfred S. Baker.
218. From a Father to a Gentleman, forbidding Him to Pay any further Attentions to His Daughter.
C——, January 10, 19—.
Dear Sir:—
Permit me to say that your attentions to my daughter have become so marked of late, that I wish them discontinued. I do not approve of you as a suitor for her hand, simply on the ground of your pecuniary position; and consider that you have not been acting fairly in endeavoring to gain her affections, not being in a position to make a comfortable home for her. I have my daughter's promise that she will neither write to you nor see you without my consent. Relying upon your honor to respect my wishes, and not to attempt any further communication with her.
I remain,
Yours truly,
Thomas D. Curran.