To Colonel Rivers, at Quebec.
Clarges Street, January 3.
I am afraid you knew very little of the sex, my dear brother, when
you cautioned me so strongly against loving Mr. Temple: I should
perhaps, with all his merit, have never thought of him but for that
caution.
There is something very interesting to female curiosity in the idea
of these very formidable men, whom no woman can see without danger; we
gaze on the terrible creature at a distance, see nothing in him so very
alarming; he approaches, our little hearts palpitate with fear, he is
gentle, attentive, respectful; we are surprized at this respect, we are
sure the world wrongs the dear civil creature; he flatters, we are
pleased with his flattery; our little hearts still palpitate--but not
with fear.
In short, my dear brother, if you wish to serve a friend with us,
describe him as the most dangerous of his sex; the very idea that he is
so, makes us think resistance vain, and we throw down our defensive
arms in absolute despair.
I am not sure this is the reason of my discovering Mr. Temple to be
the most amiable of men; but of this I am certain, that I love him with
the most lively affection, and that I am convinced, notwithstanding all
you have said, that he deserves all my tenderness.
Indeed, my dear prudent brother, you men fancy yourselves extremely
wise and penetrating, but you don't know each other half so well as we
know you: I shall make Temple in a few weeks as tame a domestic animal
as you can possibly be, even with your Emily.
I hope you won't be very angry with me for accepting an agreable
fellow, and a coach and six: if you are, I can only say, that finding
the dear man steal every day upon my heart, and recollecting how very
dangerous a creature he was,
"I held it both safest and best
To marry, for fear you should chide."
Adieu!
Your affectionate, &c.
Lucy Rivers.
Please to observe, mamma was on Mr. Temple's side, and that I only
take him from obedience to her commands. He has behaved like an angel
to her; but I leave himself to explain how: she has promised to live
with us. We are going a party to Richmond, and only wait for Mr.
Temple.
With all my pertness, I tremble at the idea that to-morrow will
determine the happiness or misery of my life.
Adieu! my dearest brother.