_You will be surprised that I dare to address you, I and no other.
I was never bold enough to approach you--but--not to indulge in
circumlocutions--I love you! I have loved you for a long time. I
have taken council with myself and come to the conclusion that I
can find happiness only by your side._
_Miss Mary! Perhaps you will be astonished and reject me. Perhaps
false reports have blackened my reputation with you, and you will
scornfully shrug your shoulders. I must beg you not to hasten to
say the decisive word. I make bold to say that in me you will find
a husband who will try to make you happy. Only one thing I beg.
Consider the offer. Four weeks from to-day I await the
decision--not earlier, not later._
_With most passionate devotion_,