EQUIVOQUE
Credit: Author not specified---in The Game of Words by Willard R. Espy

There is something very special about the following letter from L to Miss M. Can you tell what it is?

To Miss M______,

The affection I have hitherto expressed for you
is false and I find my indifference toward you
increases daily. The more I see of you, the more
you appear in my eyes the object of contempt.
I feel myself in every way disposed and determined
to dislike you. Believe me, I never had an intention
to offer you my hand. Our last conversation has
left a tedious insipidity, which has by no means
given me the most exalted idea of your character.
Your temper would make me very unhappy
and were we united, I should experience nothing but
the wrath of my parents added to the anything but
pleasure in living with you. I have indeed a heart
to bestow, but I do not wish you to imagine it
at your service. I could not give it to anyone more
inconsistent and capricious than yourself, and less
capable to do honor to my choice and to my family.
Yes, Miss, I hope you will be persuaded that
I speak sincerely, and you will do me the favor
to avoid me. I shall excuse you taking the trouble
to answer this. Your letters are always full of
impertinence, and you have not a shadow of
wit and good sense. Adieu! adieu! believe me
so averse to you, that it is impossible for me even
to be your most affectionate friend and humble servant.

L

Answer:

Starting from the top, read every other line.