LETTER LX.60.

　　To Sir George Clayton, at Quebec.

　　Dear Sir,

　　I have read MrsMrs.Clayton’s letter with attention; and am of her opinion, that indiscreet engagements are better broke than kept.

　　I have the less reason to take ill your breaking the kind of engagement between us at the desire of your family, as I entered into it at first entirely in compliance with mine.I have ever had the sincerest esteem and friendship for you, but never that romantic love which hurries us to forget all but itself: I have therefore no reason to expect in you the imprudent disinterestedness that passion occasions.

　　A fuller explanation is necessary on this subject than it is possible to enter into in a letter: if you will favor us with your company this afternoon at Silleri, we may explain our sentiments more clearly to each other: be assured, I never will prevent your complying in every instance with the wishes of so kind and prudent a mother.

　　I am, dear Sir,

　　Your affectionate friend

　　and obedient servant,

　　Emily Montague. The History of Emily Montague