The whole conduct of your parents, you have owned to me yourself, has been lately such as to alienate your affection and confidence.

They hold your will enchained, my poor friend; and if you have not the spirit to break it, now a fair opportunity occurs, forgive me, if I say I can no longer offer you consolation.

Lord Alphingham loves you, and long ere this, had it not been for your mother's extraordinary conduct, would have proposed, and you might have been now a plighted bride, or still happier wife.

I much doubt, by a few hints he dropped, if his late departure from town was not occasioned by Mr.Hamilton's positive refusal to sanction his addresses to you.

If he has demanded your hand, and been rejected without your knowledge, your father and mother have treated you with much confidence and affection, have they not?
Can they, dare they expect to receive yours, when such is the case?
Is it not a clear proof your happiness is not to be consulted in any marriage you may form?
It is ridiculous to imagine that your mother has penetrated, in some degree, your feelings for Alphingham, though perhaps not to their extent; and not approving of it, for no reason whatever, she desires you to shun his society.