--Honest Mr.
Fowler. I was very glad to see him. He brought me a Letter from his
worthy uncle. Good Sir Rowland! I had a joy that I thought I should not
have had while I stayed in London, on its being put into my hand, though
the contents gave me sensible pain. I enclose it. It is dated from
Caermarthen. Be pleased to read it here.
***
CAERMARTHEN, APRIL 11.
How shall I, in fit manner, inscribe my letter to the loveliest of women!
I don't mean because of your loveliness; but whether as daughter or not,
as you did me the honour to call yourself. Really, and truly, I must
say, that I had rather call you by another name, though a little more
remote as to consanguinity. Lord have mercy upon me, how have I talked
of you! How many of our fine Caermarthen girls have I filled with envy
of your peerless perfections!
Here am I settled to my heart's content, could I but obtain--You know
whom I mean.--A town of gentry: A fine country round us--A fine estate of
our own. Esteemed, nay, for that matter, beloved, by all our neighbours
and tenants. Who so happy as Rowland Meredith, if his poor boy could be
happy!--Ah, madam!--And can't it be so? I am afraid of asking. Yet I
understand, that, notwithstanding all the jack-a-dandies that have been
fluttering about you, you are what you were when I lest town. Some
whispers have gone out of a fine gentleman, indeed, who had a great
kindness for you; but yet that something was in the way between you.
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