University of Virginia Library

LETTER XVI.

We go on charmingly here; almost
as soft and smooth as your ladyship. It seems to
me that love must stagnate, if it have not a light
breeze of discord once in a while to keep it in

motion. We have not tried any yet, however.
We had a lovely tour this forenoon; were out
three long hours, and returned to dinner in perfect
harmony.

Mr. Boyer informed me that he should set out
to morrow morning, for his future residence, and
soon put on the sacred bands. He solicited an
epistolary correspondence, at the same time, as
an alleviation of the care which that weighty
charge would bring on his mind. I consented;
telling him, that he must not expect any thing
more than general subjects from me.

We were somewhat interrupted in our confidential
intercourse, in the afternoon, by the arrival
of Major Sanford. I cannot say that I was
not agreeably relieved. So sweet a repast, for
several hours together, was rather sickening to
my taste. My enamorato looked a little mortified
at the cheerful reception which I gave the
intruder, and joined not so placidly in the social
conversation, as I could have wished.

When Mr. Boyer, after the Major took leave,
pressed me to give him some assurance of my
constancy, I only reminded him of the terms
of our engagement. Seeing me decided, he
was silent on the subject, and soon bid me an
affectionate adieu; not expecting, as he told
me, the pleasure of a personal interview again,
for two or three months.

Thus far we have proceeded in this sober business.
A good beginning, you will say. Perhaps
it is. I do not, however, feel myself greatly

interested in the progress of the negociation.
Time may consolidate my affections, and enable
me to fix them on some particular object.
At present the most lively emotions of
my heart are those of friendship; that friendship
which I hope you will soon participate with
your faithful