tion, and not
unknown to literary and scientific fame. He is a naval officer. (I
hope you like this officer's name?) He made some years ago a survey
of the coast of Caramania, and wrote a small volume on that survey,
which has obtained for him a good reputation. He has been for some
years Hydrographer Royal.... In one word, he is a person publicly
esteemed; and privately he is beloved and esteemed by all who know
him best. He is and has been well known to us ever since the
present Mrs. Edgeworth's marriage with my father. Captain Beaufort
is Mrs. Edgeworth's youngest brother. As Mrs. E. is Honora's
_step_mother, you see that he is no relation whatever to Honora.
But the nearness of the connection has given us all the best means
of knowing him thoroughly. He was my dear father's most beloved
pupil and friend; by pupil I only mean that his being so much
younger made him look up to my father with reverence, and learn
from him in science and literature with delight. Thus has he been
long connected with all I love. He has been a widower two years. He
has three sons and four daughters.... The youngest daughter, Emily,
is a delightful child. Captain Beaufort lives in London, 11
Gloucester place; has a very comfortable house, and sufficient
fortune for all their moderate wishes. Honora's fortune, which is
ample, will give them affluence.

My dear Mrs. Ticknor, I know you particularly liked Honora, and
that you will be interested in hearing all these particulars,
though it seems impertinent to detail them across the Atlantic to
one who will, I fear, never see any one of the persons I have
mentioned. Yet affections such as yours keep warm very long and at
a great distance.

I feel that I have got into a snug little corner in both your
hearts, and that you will excuse a great deal from me; therefore I
go on without scruple drawing upon your sympathy, and you will not
protest my draft.

You saw how devoted Honora was to her aunt, Mrs. Mary Sneyd, whom
you liked so much; and you will easily imagine what a struggle
there has been in Honora's mind before she could consent to a
marriage with even such a man as Captain Beaufort, when it must
separate her from her aunt. Captain Beaufort himself felt this so
much that he never would have pressed it. He o