But while weaning my ambitions--
perhaps too abruptly--from a wider sphere, it has directed me
upon a happiness which has--dare I say it?--awaited me all the
while beside the hearth.
"Let me avow, dear cousin, that when first this happy inspiration
seized me, I had much ado--you know my promptitude of old--to
refrain from seeking you at once and pressing my suit with that
ardour which the warmth of my purpose dictated. On second
thoughts, however, I decided to spare your emotions that sudden
assault, and to make my demand in writing--in military phrase,
to summon the garrison in form.
"Your tender consideration of my comfort over a period of years
induces me to believe that a stronger claim on that
consideration for the future may not be a matter of indifference
to you. In short, I have the honour to offer you my hand, with
every assurance of a lifelong fidelity and esteem. The station
I ask you to adorn will be a private one. I am here to consult
a lawyer how best I may release from the consequences of their
folly the unfortunate men who betrayed me. This done, I lay
down my chain of office and resign my commission. I will not
deny that there are wounds; I look to domestic felicity to
provide a balm for them. Hansombody, no doubt, will succeed me;
and on the whole I am satisfied that he will passably fill an
office which, between ourselves, he has for some time expected.
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