LETTER XXXI.
Mrs. HOLMES to MYRA.
If the affair of your brother and
Harriot be serious, and matrimony is really
on the tapis, do not fail to make me previously
acquainted with it—I very much
doubt the evidence of the verses—they
weigh in my mind—and he is easily
excused for sending them to so fine a girl as
Harriot.
YOUR observations on her dependence on
Mrs. Francis do honour to your heart—virtue
does not consist in affluence and independence—nor
can it be reflected on us by
the glory of our connexions—those who
pride themselves on it, make but an indifferent
figure; for in the estimation of all
sensible people—true merit is personal.
HOWEVER, my dear friend, as one who
wishes for your welfare and the happiness of
your family, I advise you to discourage the
proposed connexion—and if you cannot
undertake this disagreeable task with a certainty
of success, do not fail to acquaint me of
it speedily.
Adieu!
