To Mrs. Melmoth, at Montreal.
Silleri, Dec. 26.
I entreat you, my dearest Madam, to do me the justice to believe I
see my engagement to Sir George in as strong a light as you can do; if
there is any change in my behaviour to him, it is owing to the very
apparent one in his conduct to me, of which no one but myself can be a
judge. As to what you say in regard to my contempt of affluence, I can
only say it is in my character, whether it is generally in the female
one or not.
Were the cruel hint you are pleased to give just, be assured Sir
George should be the first person to whom I would declare it. I hope
however it is possible to esteem merit without offending even the most
sacred of all engagements.
A gentleman waits for this. I have only time to say, that Miss
Fermor thanks you for your obliging invitation, and promises she will
accompany me to Montreal as soon as the river St. Lawrence will bear
carriages, as the upper road is extremely inconvenient.
I am,
My dearest Madam,
Your obliged
and faithful
Emily Montague.