Page:Austen - Sense and Sensibility, vol. II, 1811.djvu/116

 which I have been honoured from you, and the lock of hair, which you so obligingly bestowed on me.

&emsp;&emsp;I am, dear Madam,

&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;Your most obedient &emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;humble Servant,

With what indignation such a letter as this must be read by Miss Dashwood may be imagined. Though aware, before she began it, that it must bring a confession of his inconstancy, and confirm their separation for ever, she was not aware that such language could be suffered to announce it; nor could she have supposed Willoughby capable of departing so far from the appearance of every honourable and delicate feeling—so far from the common decorum of a gentleman, as to send a letter so impudently