magination that my sentiments for him were changed: assure him of my
esteem, though love is not in my power.

As Colonel Rivers never gave me the remotest reason to suppose him
more than my friend, I have not the least right to disapprove his
marrying: on the contrary, as his friend, I _ought_ to wish a
connexion which I am told is greatly to his advantage.

To prevent all future importunity, painful to me, and, all
circumstances considered, degrading to Sir George, whose honor is very
dear to me, though I am obliged to refuse him that hand which he surely
cannot wish to receive without my heart, I am compelled to say, that,
without an idea of ever being united to Colonel Rivers, I will never
marry any other man.

Were I never again to behold him, were he even the husband of
another, my tenderness, a tenderness as innocent as it is lively,
would never cease: nor would I give up the refined delight of loving
him, independently of any hope of being beloved, for any advantage in
the power of fortune to bestow.

These being my sentiments, sentiments which no time can alter, they
cannot be too soon known to Sir George: I would not one hour keep him
in suspence in a point, which this step seems to say is of consequence
to his happiness.

Tell him, I entreat him to forget me, and to come into views which
will make his mother, and I have no doubt himself, happier than a
marriage with a woman whose chief merit is that very sincerity of heart
which obliges her to refuse him.

I am, Madam,
Your affectionate, &c.
Emily Montague.

LETTER 93.

To Miss Rivers, Clarges Street.

Silleri, Thursday.

Your brother dines here to-day, by my father's invitation; I am
afraid it will be but an awkward party.

Emily is at this moment an exceeding fine model for a statue of
tender melancholy.

Her anger is gone; not a trace remaining; 'tis sorrow, but the most
beautiful sorrow I ever beheld: she is all grief for having offended
the dear man.

I am out of patience with this look; it is so flattering to him, I
could beat her for it: I cannot bear his vanity should be so
gratified.

I wanted her to treat him with a saucy, unconcerned, flippant air;
but her whole appearance is gentle, tender, I had almost said,
supplicating: I am ashamed of the folly of my own sex: O, that I could
to-day inspire her with a little of my spirit! she is a poor tame
household dove, and there is no making any thing of her.