2

[excellencies?] on those whose manners are attractive, and suffering virtue
to pass unregarded, when clad in an uncourtly garb. To such reflec-
tions as these I fly for consolation, yet when I contemplate the perfecti-
ons of Mrs. Higginson, I cannot avoid regretting that I had made no
progress in her favour. I enjoy the friendships of many valuable
persons, and I ought not to be so unreasonable as to [rep?] if I cannot
gain the friendship of all, who merit that title. One ray of hope darts
in upon me in relation to Mrs. Higginson; she asked to see my letter,
asked more than once. You know not the pleasure this gave me. [One?]
who is drowning will catch at straws. Why did you not show it to
her? Perhaps my writing would have proved better than my conversation.
You know it has been said, by me she has a good opinion of me, that I
write better than I talk. I do not fear you will [tar?] me with vanity, for
repeating this assertion you will know, I do not think highly of my talents for
composition. Ought not my respect for her understanding to be increased,
when I find she is exempted from one of my failings, a proneness to decide
hastily upon the merit of a character when my knowledge of it has been
superficial. To admit prepossessions either for or against a per-
son at a first interview, or even at an early period of acquain-
tance is reprehensible. Imagination by that means obtains the
superiority over judgment, and when that happens, seldom fails
to become the fertile parent of error.