

I have a great opinion of your discernment and therefore I venture to rant. And in your case the dullest materials could not help feeling that propensity.

I seldom write to a lady without fancying the relation of lover and mistress. This you will tell me is poetical enough. Notwithstanding the compliment you pay to my eloquence its resources could give you but a feeble image of what I should wish to convey. 3 Imagine, if you are able, the pleasure it gave me. But I can not, however great my hurry, resist the strong desire I feel of thankg you for your invaluable letter by the last packet. Your husband has too much gallantry to be offended at this implication of preference.

I this morning wrote a short and hasty line to your other self 2 and did not then expect I should have been able to find a moment for the more agreeable purpose of dropping a line to you.
