income you immediately possess, and the sort of maintenance Miss
Carpenter, in case of your demise, might reasonably expect.
Though she is of an age to judge for herself in the choice of an
object that she would like to run the race of life with, she has
referred the subject to me. As her friend and guardian, I in duty
must try to secure her happiness, by endeavoring to keep her
comfortable immediately, and to prevent her being left destitute,
in case of any unhappy contingency. Her good sense and good
education are her chief fortune; therefore, in the worldly way of
talking, she is not entitled to much. Her brother, who was also
left under my care at an early period, is excessively fond of
her; he has no person to think of but her as yet; and will
certainly be enabled to make her very handsome presents, as he is
doing very well in India, where I sent him some years ago, and
where he bears a very high character, I am happy to say. I do not
throw out this to induce you to make any proposal beyond what
prudence and discretion recommend; but I hope I shall hear from
you by return of post, as I may be shortly called out of town to
some distance. As children are in general the consequence of an
happy union, I should wish to know what may be your thoughts or
wishes upon that subject. I trust you will not think me too
particular; indeed I am sure you will not, when you consider that
I am endeavoring to secure the happiness and welfare of an
estimable young woman whom you admire and profess to be partial
and attached to, and for whom I have the highest regard, esteem,
and respect.

I am, Sir, your obedient humble servant,

DOWNSHIRE.

TO {p.257} THE SAME.

CARLISLE, October 22.

Your last letter, my dear sir, contains a very fine train of
_perhaps_, and of so many pretty conjectures, that it is not
flattering you to say you excel in the art of tormenting
yourself. As it happens, you are quite wrong in all your
suppositions. I have been waiting for Lord D.'s answer to your
letter, to give a full answer to your very proper inquiries about
my family. Miss Nicolson says, that when she did offer to give
you some information, you refused it--and advises me _now_ to