Miss E. Searles,
    Waterford, Maine.

16.—­Proposing Marriage.

    Wednesday, October 20th, 1894

    Dearest Etta: 

The delightful hours I have passed in your society have left an impression on my mind that is altogether indelible, and cannot be effaced even by time itself.  The frequent opportunities I have possessed, of observing the thousand acts of amiability and kindness which mark the daily tenor of your life, have ripened my feelings of affectionate regard into a passion at once ardent and sincere until I have at length associated my hopes of future happiness with the idea of you as a life partner, in them.  Believe me, dearest Etta, this is no puerile fancy, but the matured results of a long and warmly cherished admiration of your many charms of person and mind.  It is love—­pure devoted love, and I feel confident that your knowledge of my character will lead you to ascribe my motives to their true source.

May I then implore you to consult your own heart, and should this avowal of my fervent and honorable passion for you be crowned with your acceptance and approval, to grant me permission to refer the matter to your parents.  Anxiously awaiting your answer,

    I am, dearest Etta,
    Your sincere and faithful lover,
    GEO. COURTRIGHT.

    To Miss Etta Jay,
    Malden, Ill.

17.—­From a Gentleman to a Widow.

    Philadelphia, May 10th, 1915

    My Dear Mrs. Freeman: 

I am sure you are too clear-sighted not to have observed the profound impression which your amiable qualities, intelligence and personal attractions have made upon my heart, and as you nave not repelled my attentions nor manifested displeasure when I ventured to hint at the deep interest I felt in your welfare and happiness, I cannot help hoping that you will receive an explicit expression of my attachments, kindly and favorably.  I wish it were in my power to clothe the feelings I entertain for you in such words as should make my pleadings irresistible; but, after all, what could I say, more than you are very dear to me, and that the most earnest desire of my soul is to have the privilege of calling you my wife?  Do you, can you love me?  You will not, I am certain, keep me in suspense, for you are too good and kind to trifle for a moment with sincerity like mine.  Awaiting your answer,

    I remain with respectful affection,
    Ever yours,
    HENRY MURRAY.

    Mrs. Julia Freeman,
    Philadelphia.

18.—­From a Lady to an Inconstant Lover.

    Dear Harry: