to his great surprise , he found that the letter contained the following words : dear sir , as a neighbour , by purchase of an estate contiguous to your own , i am quite sure you have excused , and taken in good part , the cordial offer i made to you of friendship and service some short time since ; but now , in addressing to you a distinct proposition , i trust i shall meet with an indulgent consideration , whether such proposition be accordant with your views or not .