He was then at Cambridge, and tried to gain time on various
pretences; but being pressed in letters by his mother and me to
give a definitive answer, he fairly gave his tutor the slip, and
disappeared about eight months ago. -- Before he took this rash
step, he wrote me a letter, explaining his objections to the
match, and declaring, that he would keep himself concealed until
he should understand that his parents would dispense with his
contracting an engagement that must make him miserable for life,
and he prescribed the form of advertising in a certain newspaper,
by which he might be apprized of our sentiments on this subject.
'You may easily conceive how much we were alarmed and afflicted
by this elopement, which he had made without dropping the least
hint to his companion Charles Wilson, who belonged to the same
college. -- We resolved to punish him with the appearance of
neglect, in hopes that he would return of his own accord; but he
maintained his purpose till the young lady chose a partner for
herself; then he produced himself, and made his peace by the
mediation of Wilson. -- Suppose we should unite our families by
joining him with your niece, who is one of the most lovely
creatures I ever beheld.
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