To John Temple, Esq; Pall Mall.
Quebec, March 21.
Were I convinced of your conversion, my dear Jack, I should be the
happiest man breathing in the thought of your marrying my sister; but I
tremble lest this resolution should be the effect of passion merely,
and not of that settled esteem and tender confidence without which
mutual repentance will be the necessary consequence of your connexion.
Lucy is one of the most beautiful women I ever knew, but she has
merits of a much superior kind; her understanding and her heart are
equally lovely: she has also a sensibility which exceedingly alarms me
for her, as I know it is next to impossible that even her charms can
fix a heart so long accustomed to change.
Do I not guess too truly, my dear Temple, when I suppose the
charming mistress is the only object you have in view; and that the
tender amiable friend, the pleasing companion, the faithful confidante,
is forgot?
I will not however anticipate evils: if any merit has power to fix
you, Lucy's cannot fail of doing it.
I expect with impatience a further account of an event in which my
happiness is so extremely interested.
If she is yours, may you know her value, and you cannot fail of
being happy: I only fear from your long habit of improper attachments;
naturally, I know not a heart filled with nobler sentiments than yours,
nor is there on earth a man for whom I have equal esteem. Adieu!
Your affectionate
Ed. Rivers.