Page:Stories after Nature.pdf/102

78 cessful defence to some important opposition, he was surprised by the following note.

";

"I am as bold as willing to address you by this title, knowing your gentle disposition. More so, as it will clear away at once all formal weeds from the flowery way to my heart; and also, that should I not prove so dear to you (which I think fate cannot prevent), yet will you ever be dear to me.

"To be brief, then. I met last night at a mask, your friend Edward, who was ranging about in a loose domino, in some hot pursuit. I knew him immediately, though I had only seen him once—But oh! that once never will be forgotten. I joined him, and inquiring, full of hope and fear, about you, learnt (O bliss!) your kindness, and your love for me; that we had both done nothing but hunt for each other since that first short gaze, and but for this trifling accident might never have met.—On such a hair does mortal happiness depend.—But having found you, I will now make prize of your heart.

"If you will marry me, I am your wife; and my fortune is yours at once. Come thou and claim me; and that suddenly, as there are