ithout injustice
have a doubt.

Though I approve your contempt of the false glitter of the world,
yet I think it a little strained at your time of life: did I not know
you as well as I do, I should say that philosophy in a young and
especially a female mind, is so out of season, as to be extremely
suspicious. The pleasures which attend on affluence are too great, and
too pleasing to youth, to be overlooked, except when under the
influence of a livelier passion.

Take care, my Emily; I know the goodness of your heart, but I also
know its sensibility; remember that, if your situation requires great
circumspection in your behaviour to Sir George, it requires much
greater to every other person: it is even more delicate than marriage
itself.

I shall expect you and Miss Fermor as soon as the roads are such
that you can travel agreably; and, as you object to Sir George as a
conductor, I will entreat Captain Fermor to accompany you hither.

I am, my dear,
Your most affectionate
E. Melmoth.

LETTER 47.

To Mrs. Melmoth, at Montreal.

Silleri, Dec. 26.

I entreat you, my dearest Madam, to do me the justice to believe I
see my engagement to Sir George in as strong a light as you can do; if
there is any change in my behaviour to him, it is owing to the very
apparent one in his conduct to me, of which no one but myself can be a
judge. As to what you say in regard to my contempt of affluence, I can
only say it is in my character, whether it is generally in the female
one or not.

Were the cruel hint you are pleased to give just, be assured Sir
George should be the first person to whom I would declare it. I hope
however it is possible to esteem merit without offending even the most
sacred of all engagements.

A gentleman waits for this. I have only time to say, that Miss
Fermor thanks you for your obliging invitation, and promises she will
accompany me to Montreal as soon as the river St. Lawrence will bear
carriages, as the upper road is extremely inconvenient.

I am,
My dearest Madam,
Your obliged
and faithful
Emily Montague.

LETTER 48.

To Miss Rivers, Clarges Street.

Silleri, Dec. 27.

After a fortnight's snow, we have had near as much clear blue sky
and sunshine: the snow is six feet deep, so that we may be said to walk
on our own heads; that is, speaking _en philosophe_, we occupy the
space we should have done in summer if we had done so;