Accidents > Dangers of the deep, or, Narratives of shipwreck and adventure at sea

246
VALPARAISO.
was esteemed one of the richest persons upon
the island. He had a niece, of whom he was
extremely fond, and who was to inherit all
he possessed. He had taken a great deal of
pains with her education, and she was reck¬
oned one of the most accomplished young
ladies of Chiloe. Her person was good,
though she could not be called a regular
beauty. This young lady did me the honour
to take more notice of me than I deserved,
and proposed to her uncle to convert me, and
afterwards begged his consent to marry me.
As the old man doated upon her, he readily
agreed to it; and accordingly on the next visit
I made him, acquainted me with the young
lady’s proposal, and his approbation of it,
taking me at the same time into a room where
there were several chests and boxes, which
he unlocked; first shewing me what a num¬
ber of fine clothes his niece had, and then his
own wardrobe, which he said should be mine
at his death. Amongst other things, he pro¬
duced a piece of linen, which he said should
immediately be made up into shirts for me.
I own this last article was a great temptation
to me; however, I had the resolution to
withstand it, and made the best excuses I