University of Virginia Library

LETTER XIX.

I FIND the ideas of sobriety, and domestic
solitude, I have been cultivating for three
days past, somewhat deranged by the interruption
of a visitor, with whom, I know, you will
not be pleased. It is no other than Major Sanford.
I was walking alone in the garden yesterday,
when he suddenly appeared to my view.
How happy am I, said he, seizing my hand, in
this opportunity of finding you alone; an opportunity,
Miss Wharton, which I must improve
in expatiating on a theme, that fills my heart,
and solely animates my frame.

I was startled at his impetuosity, and displeased
with his freedom. Withdrawing my hand,
I told him, that my retirement was sacred. He
bowed submissively; begged pardon for his intrusion,
alledged, that he found no body but the
servants in the house; that they informed him, I
was alone in the garden, which intelligence was
too pleasing for him to consult any forms of
ceremony for the regulation of his conduct.
He then went on rhapsodically to declare his
passion, his suspicions, that I was forming a

connection with Mr. Boyer, which would effectually
destroy all his hopes of future happiness.
He painted the restraint, the consinement, the
embarrassments to which a woman, connected
with a man of Mr. Boyer's profession, must be
subjected; however agreeable his person might
be. He asked if my generous mind could submit
to cares and perplexities like these; whether
I could not find greater sources of enjoyment
in a more elevated sphere of life, or share pleasures
better suited to my genius and disposition,
even in a single state? I listened to him involuntarily.
My heart did not approve his sentiments,
but my ear was charmed with his rhetoric,
and my fancy captivated by his address.

He invited my confidence, by the most ardent
professions of friendship, and labored to remove
my suspicions by vows of sincerity. I was induced
by his importunity, gradually to disclose the
state of affairs between Mr. Boyer and myself.
He listened eagerly; wished not, he said, to influence
me unduly; but if I were not otherwise
engaged, might he presume to solicit a
place in my friendship and esteem; be admitted
to enjoy my society, to visit me as an acquaintance,
and to attend my excursions and amusements,
as a brother, if no more? I replied,
that I was a pensioner of friendship, at present;
that my friends were extremely refined in their
notions of propriety, and that I had no right to
receive visitants independent of them. I understand
you, madam, said he. You intimate that

my company is not agreeable to them: but I
know not why. Surely my rank in life is as
elevated; and my knowledge of, and acceptance
in the world, are as extensive as General Richman's.
I hope, said I, since we are engaged in
the conversation, that you will excuse my frankness,
if I tell you, that the understanding and
virtue of this worthy couple, induce them, without
any regard to rank, to bestow their esteem
wherever it is merited. I cannot say that you
are not a sharer. Your own heart can best determine,
whether upon their principles, you are,
or not! He appeared mortified, and chagrined;
and we had walked some distance without exchanging
a word, or a look. At last, he rejoined,
I plead guilty to the charge, madam, which
they have undoubtedly brought against me, of
imprudence and folly in many particulars; yet of
malignancy and vice I am innocent. Brought
up in affluence; innured from my infancy to
the gratification of every passion; the indulgence
of every wish, it is not strange, that a life of dissipation
and gaiety should prove alluring to a
youthful mind, which had no care but to procure
what it deemed enjoyment. In this pursuit
I have perhaps deviated from the rigid rules
of discretion, and the harsher laws of morality.

But let the veil of charity be drawn over my
faults; let the eye of candor impartially examine
my present behavior; let the kind and lenient
hand of friendship assist in directing my
future steps; and, perhaps, I may not prove unworthy

of associating with the respectable inhabitants
of this happy mansion; for such I am sure
it must be, while honored with Miss Wharton's
presence. But, circumstanced as you and I are,
at present, I will not sue for your attention, as a
lover; but rest contented, if possible, with that
share of kindness, and regard, which your be
nevolence may afford me as a friend. I bowed
in approbation of his resolution. He pressed
my hand with ardor to his lips; and at
that instant General Richman entered the garden.
He approached us cheerfully, offered Major
Sanford his hand with apparent cordiality,
and told us pleasantly, that he hoped he should
not be considered as an intruder. By no means,
sir, said Major Sanford. It is I who have incurred
that imputation. I called this afternoon to
pay you my respects; when being informed that
you and your lady were abroad, and that Miss
Wharton was in the garden, I took the liberty
to invade her retirement. She has graciously
forgiven my crime, and I was just affixing the
seal to my pardon as you entered.

We then returned into the house. Mrs.
Richman received us politely. During tea, the
conversation turned on literary subjects, in which
I cannot say that the Major bore a very distinguished
part. After he was gone, Mrs. Richman
said, I hope you have been agreeably entertained,
Miss Wharton? I did not chuse my
company, madam, said I. Nor, said the, did
you refuse it, I presume. Would you not have

me respect the rights of hospitality towards your
guests, when you are absent, madam? If you
had acted from that motive, I own my obligations
to you, my dear; but even that consideration
can hardly reconcile me to the sacrifice
of time, which you have made to the amusement
of a seducer. I hope, madam, you do
not think me an object of seduction! I do not
think you seducible; nor was Richardson's
Clarissa, till she made herself the victim, by her
own indiscretion. Pardon me, Eliza, this is a
second Lovelace. I am alarmed by his artful
intrusions. His insinuating attention to you are
characteristic of the man. Come, I presume
you are not interested to keep his secrets, if you
know them. Will you give me a little sketch of
his conversation? Most willingly, said I; and, accordingly,
related the whole. When I had concluded,
she shook her head, and replied, beware,
my friend, of his arts. Your own heart is too
sincere to suspect treachery and dissimulation
in another; but suffer not your ear to be charmed
by the syren voice of flattery; nor your eye
to be caught by the phantom of gaiety and
pleasure. Remember your engagements to Mr.
Boyer. Let sincerity and virtue be your guides,
and they will lead you to happiness and peace.
She waited not for an answer, but immediately
rising, begged leave to retire, alledging that she
was fatigued. Gen. Richman accompanied her,
and I hastened to my apartment, where I have
written thus far, and shall send it on for your
comments. I begin to think of returning soon
to your circle. One inducement is, that I may
be free from the intrusions of this man. Adieu.