BEV. HENRY MAETYN, B.D. 21 



contrary. I cannot tell what induced me to take my leave of 

 the people in the west when I was last there, as it was so 

 probable we should be detained; were it not for having bid 

 them adieu, I believe I should pay them another visit, — only 

 that I could not do it without being with Lydia again, which 

 might not perhaps answer any good purpose, and more probably 

 would renew the pain. 



If in India I should be persuaded of the expediency of 

 marriage, you perceive that I can do nothing less than make her 

 the offer, or rather propose the sacrifice. It would be almost 

 cruel and presumptuous in me to make such an application to 

 her, especially as she would be induced by a sense of duty 

 rather than personal attachment. But what else can be done ? 

 Should she not then be warned of my intention — before I go ? If 

 you advance no objection, I shall write a letter to her notwith- 

 standing her prohibition. When this is done no further step 

 remains to be taken, that I know of. The shortness of our 

 acquaintance, which she made a ground of objection, cannot 

 now be remedied. 



The matter, as it stands, must be left with God — and I do 

 leave it with him very cheerfully. I pray that hereafter I may 

 not be tempted to follow my will and mistake it for Grod's, — to 

 fancy I am called to marriage when I ought to remain single, — 

 and you will likewise pray, my dear cousin, that my mind may 

 be always under a right direction. 



I will endeavour to recollect to take the key from Kichard and 

 send it as you desired. The caddy, the two little Pilgrims, and 

 the pair of engravings were left at my lodgings, 25, New 

 Ormond Street. 



{Hiatus : Sigriature also missing), 



me also before your letter came. She is gone to make prepara- 

 tions for a speedy departure from Cornwall. I never heard her 

 mention her promise. She desired me when I wrote to send her 

 love, and as well to the Moravian lady whose name I forget. 



Monday evening. — I have had half an hour's conversation 

 with Mrs, Daubuz. 



