Jane Austen 
Love and Friendship [EPUB ebook] 

How often, in answer to my repeated intreaties that you would give my Daughter a regular detail of the Misfortunes and Adventures of your Life, have you said ’No, my friend never will I comply with your request till I may be no longer in Danger of again experiencing such dreadful ones.’
Surely that time is now at hand. You are this day 55. If a woman may ever be said to be in safety from the determined Perseverance of disagreeable Lovers and the cruel Persecutions of obstinate Fathers, surely it must be at such a time of Life.