I do not deserve, in any degree, the reproaches contained in your letter of yesterday, and am surprised at your permitting yourself to indulge in such feelings. Great as my attachment is, I must tell you, once for all, that I detest jealousy in a woman, and should soon cease to care for one who tormented me by repetition of such accusations. If, during our engagement, you are to feel aggrieved at my offering the slightest civility to any lady of my acquaintance, what chance of happiness is there in store for us in married life? I can see nothing but wretchedness ahead if you persist in giving way to this feeling; dismiss it from your mind, it is not worthy of you, and remember that perfect trust is what I expect and desire from the one who is to become my wife. I feel strongly on the subject, as so much alienation and misery are occasioned by unfounded jealousy.
Believe me, my dearest Laura,
Ever yours,
Charles P. Worthington.
247. Answer to No. 245 (Conciliating).
W——, January 12, 19—.
My Dearest Laura:—
How foolish of you to underrate your own attractions so far as to think I could prefer any one to yourself! Do not entertain such a thought for a moment. My heart is wholly yours, and not a thought of mine is bestowed upon any one else. I did not in the least intend to convey anything beyond mere politeness by my attentions to Mrs. Dunstable; but if you think that I have inadvertently given you the least cause for uneasiness, you may depend upon my being very much on my guard in future, so as to avoid the faintest suspicion of a preference for the society of any young lady, save yourself, be she ever so charming.
Believe me, dearest Laura,
Your deeply attached
Charley.