37

 Letter 12.

Sir Reginald De Courcy to his Son

Parklands

I know that young Men in general do not ad::mit of any enquiry, even from their nearest rela::tions, into affairs of the heart; but I hope my dear Reginald that you will be superior to such as al::low nothing for a Father's anxiety, & think them::selves privileged to refuse him their confidence& slight his advice. You must be sensible that as an only son & the representative of an ancientFamily, your conduct in Life is most interestingto your connections. — In the very important con::cern of Marriage especially, there is everything atstake; your own happineſs, that of your Parents,& the credit of your name. — I do not suppose that you would deliberately form an absolute engagement

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