University of Virginia Library

LETTER VIII.

We had an elegant ball, last night,
Charles; and what is still more to the taste of
your old friend, I had an elegant partner; one
exactly calculated to please my fancy; gay,
volatile, apparently thoughtless of every thing
but present enjoyment. It was Miss Eliza
Wharton, a young lady, whose agreeable person,
polished manners, and refined talents, have
rendered her the toast of the country around
for these two years; though for half that time
she has had a clerical lover imposed on her
by her friends; for I am told it was not agreeable
to her inclination. By this same clerical
lover of hers, she was for several months confined
as a nurse. But his death has happily
relieved her, and she now returns to the world
with redoubled lustre. At present she is a visitor
to Mrs. Richman, who is a relation. I first saw
her on a party of pleasure at Mr. Frazier's
where we walked, talked, sung, and danced together.
I thought her cousin watched her with
a jealous eye; for she is, you must know, a
prude: and immaculate, more so than you or I

must be the man who claims admission to her society.
But I fancy this young lady is a coquette;
and if so, I shall avenge my sex, by retaliating
the mischiefs, she meditates against us. Not
that I have any ill designs; but only to play
off her own artillery, by using a little unmeaning
gallantry. And let her beware of the confequences.
A young clergyman came in at
Gen. Richman's yesterday, while I was waiting
for Eliza, who was much more cordially
received by the general and his lady, than was
your humble servant: but I lay that up.

When she entered the room, an air of mutual
embarrasment was evident. The lady recovered
her assurance much more easily than the
gentleman. I am just going to ride, and shall
make it in my way to call and inquire after the
health of my dulcinea. Therefore, adieu for the
present.