MR. STEWART TO MISS RAMSAY.
I hasten to offer you an apology, Miss Ramsay, for
the outrage that I offered you. I am sorry for it. Will
that satisfy you? I am ashamed of it. Is not that
enough for a man to say? My family are grieved, and
distressed, and mortified. Will you forgive them? Do
not believe that this is voluntary. It is not—it is wrung
from me, with tears. Yes, Miss Ramsay, with tears;—
but, in a manner; and by one, that I am forbidden to
speak of;—nay, I am not even at liberty to tell you, how;
not even in justification of myself. I can only say that,
I have been twice in the field; received more than one
apology; and never made one, before, in my whole life;—
and that.—No—I have said enough. I am penitent—
you know my situation, character.—Is there any atonement?
any? Name it. I cannot do any thing, by halves.
I love you.—You do not love me—perhaps it is
impossible that you should; but, it may be, nevertheless,
when you reflect on your delicate and unprotected
situation. Will you accept my hand, heart and fortune?
They are yours, whenever you please. A word will be
sufficient. Appoint me to any probation; and try my
constancy and manhood, as you will. I have nothing
more to say. I never wrote so long a letter, in my life.
