* The author of Sandford and Merton.

He was at this time much preoccupied with an orphan, Sabrina Sydney, whom he had taken from the Foundling Hospital, and whom he was educating with the idea of marrying her ultimately.  Honora, on the other hand, had received the addresses of Mr. Andre, afterwards Major Andre, who was shot as a spy during the American War.  But want of fortune caused the parents on both sides to discourage this attachment, and it was broken off.

It was in 1771 that Mr. Day, having placed Sabrina at a boarding-school, became conscious of Honora’s attractions, and began to think of marrying her.  ’He wrote me one of the most eloquent letters I ever read,’ says Edgeworth, ’to point out to me the folly and meanness of indulging a hopeless passion for any woman, let her merit be what it might; declaring at the same time that he “never would marry so as to divide himself from his chosen friend.  Tell me,” said he, “have you sufficient strength of mind totally to subdue love that cannot be indulged with peace, or honour, or virtue?”

’I answered that nothing but trial could make me acquainted with the influence which reason might have over my feelings; that I would go with my family to Lichfield, where I could be in the company of the dangerous object; and that I would faithfully acquaint him with all my thoughts and feelings.  We went to Lichfield, and stayed there for some time with Mr. Day.  I saw him continually in company with Honora Sneyd.  I saw that he was received with approbation, and that he looked forward to marrying her at no very distant period.  When I saw this, I can affirm with truth that I felt pleasure, and even exultation.  I looked to the happiness of two people for whom I had the most perfect esteem, without the intervention of a single sentiment or feeling that could make me suspect I should ever repent having been instrumental to their union.’

Later on Mr. Day wrote a long letter to Honora, describing his scheme of life (which was very peculiar), and his admiration for her, and asking whether she could return his affections and be willing to lead the secluded life which was his ideal.  This letter he gave to Edgeworth to deliver.  ’I took the packet; my friend requested that I would go to the Palace and deliver it myself.  I went, and I delivered it with real satisfaction to Honora.  She desired me to come next morning for an answer. ...  I gave the answer to Mr. Day, and left him to peruse it by himself.  When I returned, I found him actually in a fever.  The letter contained an excellent answer to his arguments in favour of the rights of men, and a clear, dispassionate view of the rights of women.