July 16th, 1890

Dear "Yours, Very Desperate",

Much like yourself, I have no great requirements for a potential spouse. To be honest, I am largely interested in a woman to act as a mother for my young daughter and make home a more lively place. Maternal ability, kindness, and a family in good standing are enough for me to consider a union.

I cannot promise to be the most tender man nor to govern you as well as you might like, but I do have the means to indulge your spending habits. Blood purity is a matter I no longer concern myself with, as it is rarely an indicator of a person's true quality. I do not mind that you are older. In fact, I prefer it. I would be more glad to correspond with you than your sister.

I also do not believe it to be true that you have no other commendable qualities. After all, you wrote a compelling enough advertisement for me to overcome my apprehension about responding to these things. I would like to know more about you, if you don't mind.