University of Virginia Library

Conformably to my promise, when
I left your abode, the first efforts of my pen are
dedicated to you. The pleasure which arises
from the recollection of your more than maternal
kindness to me, especially your unwearied endeavours
to refine and embellish my mind, and to
lay the foundation of right principles and practices,
is interwoven with my existence; and no
time or circumstances can erase my gratitude.

I arrived last evening safely; and was affectionately
received by my honored parents, and
beloved brothers and sisters. The emotions of
regret which I felt in the morning, at the painful
separation from you and my dear school-mates,
with whom I have lived so happily, had not wholly
subsided. I could not help listening, now and
then, for some judicious observation from my
Preceptress; and frequently cast my eyes around

in search of some of the amiable companions,
among whom I had been used to unbend every
thought.

The splendor of the apartments gave me ideas
of restraint that were painful; and I looked
abroad for the green, where we were wont to
gambol, and the lawn where we so often held our
twilight sports, and almost fancied that we sometimes
caught a glimpse of the attendant Sylphs
who played around us; but in vain. Stately
domes, crowded streets, rattling carriages, and
all the noise and confusion of a commercial city
were substituted. I retired to bed, and was
awaked in the night by the riotous mirth of a
number of Bachanalians, reeling from the haunts
of intemperance and excess.

Alas! said I, this is not the æolian harp that
used to soothe our slumbers at the boarding school.
I composed myself again; but awoke at the accustomed
hour of five. I arose; and, having
praised my Maker for the preservations of the
night, walked down. Not a living creature was
stirring in the house.

I took a turn in the garden. Here art seemed
to reign so perfectly mistress, that I was apprehensive
lest I should injure her charms by viewing
them.

I accordingly retired to the summer-house, and,
having a book in my hand, sat down and read
till the clock struck seven. I then thought it

must be breakfast time, and returned to the house;
but was much disappointed to find none of the
family up, except one man-servant and the housemaid,
who had just crept down.

They appeared perfectly astonished to see me
come in from abroad; and the girl respectfully
inquired if indisposition had occasioned my rising
so early. I told her no; that the wish to
preserve my health had called me up two hours
before. Well, rejoined she, you will not find any
body to keep you company here, for two hours
to come. I was chagrined at the information,
and asked her for a bowl of milk, it being past
my usual breakfast time. The milk man had just
arrived, and I drank some; but it had lost its
flavour on the road. It was not like that which
was served us at Harmony-Grove. I stepped to
the harpsichord, and having sung and played a
morning hymn, returned to my chamber, where,
taking my work, I sat down by the window to
view the listless tribe of yawning mortals who
were beginning to thicken in the streets. One
half of these appeared to be dragged forth by necessity,
rather than any inclination to enjoy the
beauties of a fine morning.

At nine, I was summoned into the parlour to
breakfast. My sisters gently chid me for disturbing
their repose with my music. I excused myself
by alleging that I had been so long accustomed

to early rising that I should find it difficult
to alter the habit.

Here, madam, you have an account of my first
night and morning's occupation. Were I to proceed
with every new occurrence, through the
year, and subjoin my own remarks, I must write
volumes instead of letters.

Please to communicate this scroll to your amiable
daughters, and remind them of their promise
to write.

A line from Harmony-Grove would be a luxury
to me:

Meanwhile, permit me still to subscribe myself,
with the utmost respect, your grateful pupil,