University of Virginia Library

LETTER XXX.

I believe your spirits need a cordial
indeed, my dear Lucy; after drawing so dreadful
a portrait of my swain. But I call him mine
no longer. I renounce him entirely. My
friends shall be gratified. And if their predictions
are verified, I shall be happy in a union
with the man of their choice. General Richman
and lady have labored abundantly to prove
that my ruin was inevitable if I did not immediately
break all intercourse with Major Sanford.
I promised a compliance with their wishes; and
have accomplished the task, though a hard one I
found it. Last Thursday he was here, and desired
leave to spend an hour with me. I readily
consented, assuring my friends it should

be the last hour, which I would ever spend in
his company.

He told me that he was obliged to leave town
for a few days; and, as I should probably see
Mr. Boyer, before his return, he could not depart
in peace without once more endeavoring to
interest me in his favor; to obtain some token
of esteem, some glimpse of hope, that I would not
utterly reject him, to support him in his absence.
I thanked him for the polite attention he had
paid me, since our acquaintance; told him that I
should ever retain a grateful sense of his partiality
to me; that he would ever share my best wishes;
but that all connection of the kind, to which
he alluded, must from that time, for ever cease.

He exerted all his eloquence to obtain a retraction
of that sentence, and ran, with the
greatect volubility, through all the protestations,
prayers, entreaties, professions and assurances
which love could feel or art contrive. I had resolution,
however, to resist them, and to command
my own emotions on the occasion, better than
my natural sensibility gave me reason to expect.

Finding every effort vain, he rose precipitately,
and bade me adieu. I urged his tarrying to
tea; but he declined, saying, that he must retire
to his chamber, being, in his present state of
mind, unfit for any society, as he was banished
from mine. I offered him my hand, which he
pressed with ardor to his lips, and bowing in silence,
left the room.

Thus terminated this affair; an affair, which,
perhaps, was only the effect of mere gallantry

on his part, and of unmeaning pleasantry on
mine; and which, I am sorry to say, has given
my friends so much anxiety and concern. I am
under obligations to them for their kind solicitude,
however causeless it may have been.

As an agreeable companion, as a polite and
finished gallant, Major Sanford is all that the
most lively fancy could wish. And as you have
always affirmed that I was a little inclined to coquetry,
can you wonder at my exercising it upon
so happy a subject? Besides, when I thought
more seriously, his liberal fortune was extremely
alluring to me, who, you know, have been
hitherto confined to the rigid rules of prudence
and economy, not to say, necessity in my finances.

Miss Laurence called on me yesterday, as she
was taking the air, and asked me whether Major
Sanford took leave of me when he left town?
He was here last week, said I, but I did not know
that he was gone away. O yes, she replied,
he is gone to take possession of his seat, which
he has lately purchased of Captain Pribble. I
am told it is superb; and it ought to be, if it
have the honor of his residence. Then you
have a great opinion of Major Sanford, said I.
Certainly; and has not every body else? said
she. I am sure he is a very fine gentleman.
Mrs. Richman smiled rather contemptuously,
and I changed the subject.

I believe that the innocent heart of this simple
girl is a little taken in.

I have just received a letter from Mr. Boyer,
in the usual style. He expects the superlative

happiness of kissing my hand next week. O
dear! I believe I must begin to fix my phiz. Let
me run to the glass and try if I can make up one
that will look madamish. Yes, I succeed very well.

I congratulate you on your new neighbor;
but I advise friend George to have the guardian
knot tied immediately, lest you should be ensnared
by this bewitching 'squire.

I have been trying to seduce General Richman
to accompany me to the assembly, this evening,
but cannot prevail. Were Mrs. Richman
able to go with us, he would be very happy
to wait on us together; but to tell the truth, he
had rather enjoy her company at home, than
any which is to be found abroad. I rallied him
on his old fashioned taste; but my heart approved
and applauded his attachment. I despise
the married man or woman, who harbors
an inclination to partake of separate pleasures.

I am told, that a servant man inquires for me
below; the messenger of some enamoured swain,
I suppose. I will step down and learn what message
he brings—

Nothing extraordinary; it is only a card of
compliments from a Mr. Emmons, a respectable
merchant of this city, requesting the honor to
wait on me to the assembly this evening. A
welcome request, which I made no hesitation to
grant. If I must resign these favorite amusements,
let me enjoy as large a share as possible,
till the time arrive. Adieu. I must repair to
the toilet and adorn for a new conquest, the
person of