In the village of Great Parham, not far from Framlingham, lived a Mr.Tovell, of Parham Hall, a substantial yeoman, farming his own estate.

With Mr.and Mrs.Tovell and their only child, a daughter, lived an orphan niece of Mr.Tovell's, a Miss Sarah Elmy, Miss Brereton's bosom-friend, and constant companion.

Mr.Levett had in consequence become the friend of the Tovell family, and conceived the desire that his young friend, Crabbe, should be as blessed as himself.

"George," he said, "you shall go with me to Parham; there is a young lady there who would just suit you!" Crabbe accepted the invitation, made Mr.Tovell's acquaintance, and promptly fell in love with Mr.Tovell's niece.

The poet, at that time, had not yet completed his eighteenth year.
How soon after this first meeting George Crabbe proposed and was accepted, is not made clear, but he was at least welcomed to the house as a friend and an admirer, and his further visits encouraged.