To Miss Montague, at Silleri.
Montreal, Nov. 14.
Mr. Melmoth and I, my dear Emily, expected by this time to have seen
you at Montreal. I allow something to your friendship for Miss Fermor;
but there is also something due to relations who tenderly love you, and
under whose protection your uncle left you at his death.
I should add, that there is something due to Sir George, had I not
already displeased you by what I have said on the subject.
You are not to be told, that in a week the road from hence to Quebec
will be impassable for at least a month, till the rivers are
sufficiently froze to bear carriages.
I will own to you, that I am a little jealous of your attachment to
Miss Fermor, though no one can think her more amiable than I do.
If you do not come this week, I would wish you to stay till Sir
George comes down, and return with him; I will entreat the favor of
Miss Fermor to accompany you to Montreal, which we will endeavour to
make as agreable to her as we can.
I have been ill of a slight fever, but am now perfectly recovered.
Sir George and Mr. Melmoth are well, and very impatient to see you
here.
Adieu! my dear.
Your affectionate
E. Melmoth.