I am anxious that you should draw, from the terms of this offer, proof
of that confidence in your word which you might not perhaps have expected
from my conduct towards you in other respects. Indeed, my conscience
acquits me of any design to injure you. On the contrary, it would give me
sincere pleasure to hear of your success in every laudable pursuit.

I know your talents and the direction which they have hitherto
received. I know that London is a theatre best adapted to the lucrative
display of those talents, and that the sum I offer will be an ample fund,
till your own exertions may be turned to account.

If this offer be accepted, I shall not only hold myself everlastingly
obliged to you, but I shall grant you a higher place in my esteem. Yet,
through deference to scruples which you may possibly possess, I most
cheerfully plight to you my honour, that this transaction shall be
concealed from Mrs. Talbot and from all the world.

Though property is necessary to our happiness, and my daughter's habits
render the continuance of former indulgences necessary to her content, I
will not be so unjust to her as to imagine that this is _all_ which
she regards. Respect from the world, and the attachment of her ancient
friends, are, also, of some value in her eyes. Reflect, sir, I beseech
you, whether you are qualified to compensate her for the loss of property,
of good name,--my own justification, in case she marries you, will require
me to be nothing more than _just_ to her,--and of _all_ her
ancient friends, who will abhor in her the faithless wife and the
ungrateful child. I need not inform _you_ that _your_ family
will never receive into their bosom one whom her own kindred have
rejected. I am, &c.