I have a valentine for you, if you care to accept it; but I
don't suppose you will, and indeed I hope in my heart that you
will not. But I must offer it. Your father's living is vacant,
and my trustees (that is to say, Sir Harry; for the other, a
second cousin of mine, who lives in London, never interferes)
can put in someone as a stop-gap, thus allowing me to present
you to it, when the time comes, if you have any thought of
Holy Orders. You will understand exactly why I offer it; and
also, I hope, you will know that I think it wholly unworthy
of you. But turn it over in your mind and give me your answer.
George and I are to be married at the end of April. May is an
unlucky month. It shall be a week—even a fortnight—earlier,
if that fits in with your vacation, and you care to come. See
how obliging I am! I yield to you what I have refused to Sir
Harry. We shall try to persuade the Bishop to come and open
the church on the same day.
Always your friend,
HONORIA.
5
TREDINNIS, February 21st.