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fortunate as I have been, in early preferment; and, I trust, I

am resigned. Perhaps not the less so from feeling a doubt of

my positive happiness had my fair cousin honoured me with

her hand; for I have often observed that resignation is never

so perfect as when the blessing denied begins to lose some-

what of its value in our estimation. You will not, I hope,

consider me as showing any disrespect to your family, my

dear madam, by thus withdrawing my pretensions to your

daughter's favour, without having paid yourself and Mr.

Bennet the compliment of requesting you to interpose your

authority in my behalf. My conduct may, I fear, be objec-

tionable in having accepted my dismission from your daugh-

ter's lips instead of your own; but we are all liable to error.

I have certainly meant well through the whole affair. My

object has been to secure an amiable companion for myself,

with due consideration for the advantage of all your family;

and if my _manner_ has been at all reprehensible, I here beg

leave to apologise.'

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