Before my sisters' coming to London
I did call one day at your house with the desire of seeing you,
but unfortunately you were not at home. Very soon after that I
learnt to my extreme regret that my connection with The Current
and its editor would make any repetition of my visit very
distasteful to you. I was conscious of nothing in my literary
life that could justly offend you--and at this day I can say the
same--but I shrank from the appearance of importunity, and for
some months I was deeply distressed by the fear that what I most
desired in life had become unattainable. My means were very
slight; I had no choice but to take such work as offered, and
mere chance had put me into a position which threatened ruin to
the hope that you would some day regard me as a not unworthy
suitor for your daughter's hand.
'Circumstances have led me to a step which at that time seemed
impossible. Having discovered that Miss Yule returned the feeling
I entertained for her, I have asked her to be my wife, and she
has consented. It is now my hope that you will permit me to call
upon you.
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