He is a man of family and great wealth.

This last, you know, I never made a principal object, but it is somewhat satisfactory to know that in my profession.
I may flatter myself, but I think I might be a successful suitor.
You will, perhaps, think me a terrible harum-scarum fellow to be continually falling in love in this way, but I have a dread of being an old bachelor, and I am now twenty-five years of age.
There is still no need of hurry; the young lady is but sixteen.

But all this is thinking aloud to you; I make you my confidants; I wish your advice; nothing shall be done precipitately.
Of course all that I say is between you and me, for it all may come to nothing; I have _some experience_ that way.
What I have done I have done prayerfully.

I have prayed to the Giver of every good gift that He will direct me in this business; that, if it will not be to his glory and the good of his Kingdom, He will frustrate all; that, if He grants me prosperity, He will grant me a heart to use it aright; and, if adversity, that He will teach me submission to his will; and that, whatever may be my lot here, I may not fall short of eternal happiness hereafter.
I hope you will remember me in your prayers, and especially in reference to a connection in life.
I do not think that his parents took this matter very seriously at first.
His was an intensely affectionate nature, and they had often heard these same raptures before.

However, like wise parents, they did not scoff.