Page:Modern literature (1804 Volume 1).djvu/332

 *sent, to make no overtures of the kind. Be called to the bar, be engaged in some cause which will make you known, and lay the foundation of eminence and opulence. Be once established, and if you continue your love to Maria, I shall most eagerly promote a connection that will contribute to her honour and happiness." "Happiness, did you say," cried our hero eagerly, "have you, my dear Mortimer, any idea that your sister is favourably disposed." John aware that an answer in the affirmative would by no means conduce to his scheme of postponing the subject, evaded a direct answer, but said, "In cases where there is not certainty we must draw inferences from probability. Without flattering you, I must say, that the manifest affection of such a youth as my friend Hamilton is likely to impress any woman of sensibility that should be unengaged. I have no