If there were a science of life as there is one of mechanics, we could plan our lives scientifically and run no risks; but as it is, we must--together or apart--take our chance: cautiousness and recklessness divide the great stock of regrets pretty equally.
"Perhaps you will wonder at my selfishness in wanting you, for my own good, to forfeit your present happy independence among your friends, and involve your fortunes with those of a man whom you have only seen on occasions when ceremony compelled him to observe his best behavior.

I can only excuse myself by reminding you that no matter whom you marry, you must do so at the same disadvantages, except as to the approval of your friends, of which the value is for you to consider.

That being so, why should I not profit by your hazard as well as another?
Besides, there are many other feelings impelling me.

I should like to describe them to you, and would if I understood them well enough to do it accurately.
"However, nothing is further from my intention than to indite a love letter; so I will return to graver questions.

One, in particular, must be clearly understood between us.