To Sir George Clayton, at Quebec.
Dear Sir,
I have read Mrs. Clayton's letter with attention; and am of her
opinion, that indiscreet engagements are better broke than kept.
I have the less reason to take ill your breaking the kind of
engagement between us at the desire of your family, as I entered into
it at first entirely in compliance with mine. I have ever had the
sincerest esteem and friendship for you, but never that romantic love
which hurries us to forget all but itself: I have therefore no reason
to expect in you the imprudent disinterestedness that passion
occasions.
A fuller explanation is necessary on this subject than it is
possible to enter into in a letter: if you will favor us with your
company this afternoon at Silleri, we may explain our sentiments more
clearly to each other: be assured, I never will prevent your complying
in every instance with the wishes of so kind and prudent a mother.
I am, dear Sir,
Your affectionate friend
and obedient servant,
Emily Montague.