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 doubt that Maria possesses sensibility, and I firmly believe that when you and she became acquainted she was unengaged; but I am convinced, that though she should love you, both her reason and strength of mind would refuse an affiance, which the sincerest and best judging friends of both must see would be, at present, indiscreet." Hamilton could not avoid seeing the sense and candour of his friend's opinions, and as the time was approaching at which he was obliged to go south, Mortimer hoped by absence to prevent the immediate contraction of so premature an engagement. He knew that during the rest of the autumn he was to be at Brighton and its environs; and that in winter he was occupied by professional preparations and literary exertions, and hoped that, while on the one hand the affiance was suspended, on the other great advances would be made towards its con