To Mrs. Temple, Pall Mall.
Silleri, May 21.
Your letter of the 8th of April, my dear, was first read by Emily,
being one of the three I gave her for that purpose, as I before
mentioned.
She went through it, and melting into tears, left the room without
speaking a word: she has been writing this morning, and I fancy to you,
for she enquired when the mail set out for England, and seemed pleased
to hear it went to-day.
I am excessively shocked at your account of Mrs. Rivers: assure her,
in my name, of your brother's immediate return; I know both him and
Emily too well to believe they will sacrifice her to their own
happiness: there is nothing, on the contrary, they will not suffer
rather than even afflict her.
Do not, however, encourage an idea of ever breaking an attachment
like theirs; an attachment founded less in passion than in the
tenderest friendship, in a similarity of character, and a sympathy the
most perfect the world ever saw.
Let it be your business, my Lucy, to endeavor to make them happy,
and to remove the bars which prevent their union in England; and depend
on seeing them there the very moment their coming is possible.
From what I know of your brother, I suppose he will insist on
marrying Emily before he leaves Quebec; but, after your letter, which
I shall send him, you may look on his return as infallible.
I send all yours and Temple's letters for your brother to-day: you
may expect to hear from him by the same mail with this.
I have only to say, I am,
A. Fermor.