University of Virginia Library

LETTER XV.

I congratulate you, my dear
Eliza, on the stability of your conduct towards
Mr. Boyer. Pursue the system which you have
adopted, and I dare say, that happiness will
crown your future days. You are indeed very

tenacious of your freedom, as you call it; but
that is a play about words. A man of Mr. Boyer's
honor and good sense will never abridge
any privileges which virtue can claim.

When do you return to embellish our society,
here? I am impatient to see you, and likewise
this amiable man. I am much interested in his favor.
By the way, I am told that Major Sanford has
been to look at the seat of Captain Pribble, which
is upon sale. It is reported that he will probably
purchase it. Many of our gentry are pleased
with the prospect of such a neighbor. As
an accomplished gentleman, say they, he will be
an agreeable addition to our social parties; and
as a man of property, and public spirit, he will
be an advantage to the town; but, from what
I have heard of him, I am far from supposing
him a desirable acquisition in either of these respects.
A man of a vicious character cannot be
a good member of society. In order to that,
his principles and practice must be uncorrupted:
in his morals, at least, he must be a man of probity,
and honor. Of these qualifications, if I mistake
not, this gallant of yours cannot boast.
But I shall not set up for a censor. I hope neither
you nor I shall have much connection with
him. My swain interests himself very much in
your affairs. You will possibly think him impertinent;
but I give his curiosity a softer name.
Should I own to you that I place great confidence
in his integrity and honor, you would,
perhaps, laugh at my weakness; but, my dear,

I have pride enough to keep me above conquettry,
or prudery; and discretion enough, I hope,
to secure me from the errors of both. With
him I have determined to walk the future round
of life. What folly then would it be to affect
reserve and distance, relative to an affair in
which I have so much interest? Not that I am
going to betray your secrets. These I have no
right to divulge; but I must be the judge
what may, and what may not be communicated.
I am very much pressed for an early day of consummation;
but I shall not listen to a request of
that kind, till your return. Such is my regard
for you, that a union of love would be imperfect,
if friendship attended not the rites. Adieu.