A true woman could give a better answer than the following, which
does not claim to be a model. It is hardly time yet for a gushing
love-letter, or we would not profane this sacred subject by making the
attempt; yet should like to receive one in spirit somewhat as follows:
“DEAR SIR: Your proffer of your hand and heart in marriage has been
duly received, and its important contents fully considered.
“I accept your offer: and on its only condition, that I _reciprocate
your love_, which I do completely; and hereby both offer my own
hand and heart in return, and consecrate my entire being, soul and
body, all I am and can become, to you alone; both according you the
‘privilege’ you crave of loving me, and ‘craving’ a like one in return.
“Thank Heaven that this matter is settled; that you are in very
deed mine, while I am yours, to love and be loved by, live and be
lived with and for; and that my gushing affections have a final
resting-place on one every way so worthy of the fullest reciprocal
sympathy and trust.
“The preliminaries of our marriage we will arrange whenever we meet,
which I hope may be soon. But whether sooner or later, or you are
present or absent, I now consider myself as wholly yours, and you all
mine; and both give and take the fullest privilege of cherishing and
expressing for you that whole-souled love I find even now gushing up
and calling for expression. Fondly hoping to hear from and see you
soon and often, I remain wholly yours forever,