Mrs. _Holmes_ to _Myra_.
_Belleview._
IF the affair of your brother and _Harriot_ be serious, and
matrimony is really on the _tapis_, do not fail to make me _previously_
acquainted with it.—I very much doubt the evidence of the verses—they
weigh little in my mind—and he is easily excused for sending them to so
fine a girl as _Harriot_.
YOUR observations on her dependence on Mrs. _Francis_ do honour to your
heart—virtue does not consist in affluence and independence—nor can it
be reflected on us by the glory of our connexions—those who pride
themselves on it, make but an indifferent figure; for in the estimation
of all sensible people—true merit is personal.
HOWEVER, my dear friend, as one who wishes for your welfare and the
happiness of your family, I advise you to discourage the proposed
connexion—and if you cannot undertake this disagreeable talk with a
_certain of success_, do not fail to acquaint me of it _speedily_.
Adieu!