Otherwise I should be glad to see
the poor gentleman; for, indeed, I think him a good man, and he has
suffered for my sake.
So, I am sent for down to cards. I'll go; but wish I may continue their
good opinions of me: for I shall be very awkward. My master, by his
serious question, and bidding me guard my heart against surprises, though
I should see, when I came down, a man he can allow me to love dearly,
though hardly better than himself, has quite alarmed me, and made me
sad!--I hope he loves me!--But whether he does or not, I am in for it
now, over head and ears, I doubt, and can't help loving him; 'tis a folly
to deny it. But to be sure I can't love any man preferably to him. I
shall soon know what he means.
Now, my dear mother, must I write to you. Well might my good master say
so mysteriously as he did, about guarding my heart against surprises. I
never was so surprised in my life; and never could see a man I loved so
dearly!--O my dear mother, it was my dear, dear father, and not Mr.
Williams, that was below ready to receive and to bless your daughter! and
both my master and he enjoined me to write how the whole matter was, and
what my thoughts were on this joyful occasion.
I will take the matter from the beginning, that Providence directed his
feet to this house, to this time, as I have had it from Mrs.
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