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Madam,—Those only who have suffered them can tell the unhappy moments of hesitative uncertainty, which attend the formation of a resolution to declare the sentiments of affection; I, who have felt their greatest and most acute torments, could not, previous to my experience, have formed the remotest idea of their severity. Every one of those qualities in you which claim my admiration, increased my diffidence, by showing the great risk I run, in venturing, perhaps before my affectionate assiduities have made the desired impression on your mind, to make a declaration of the ardent passion I have long since felt for you.

My family and connections are so well known to you, that I need say nothing of them; if I am disappointed of the place I hope to hold in your affections, I trust this step will not draw on me the risk of loosing the friendship of yourself and family, which I value so highly, that an object less ardently desired, or really estimable, could not induce me to take a step by which it should be in any manner hazarded. I am, Madam, your affectionate admirer and sincere friend.

Sir,—I take the earliest opportunity of acknowledging the receipt of your letter, and the obligations I feel to you for the sentiments expressed in it; and assure you, that whatever may be the