LETTER XXXIII.
TO MISS LUCY FREEMAN.
New-Haven.
MY DEAR FRIEND,
I BELIEVE I must begin to assume airs
of gravity; and they will not be quite so foreign
to my feelings now, as at some other times.
You shall know the reason. I have been associated
for three days, with sentiment and sobriety,
in the person of Mr. Boyer. I don't know
but this man will seduce me into matrimony.
He is very eloquent upon the subject; and his
manners are so solemn, that I am strongly tempted,
yet I dare not to laugh. Really, Lucy,
there is something extremely engaging and
soothing too, in virtuous and refined conversation.
It is a source of enjoyment which cannot
be realised by the dissolute and unreflecting.
But then, this particular theme of his, is not a
favorite one to me; I mean, as connected with
its consequences, care and confinement. However,
I have compounded the matter with him,
and conditioned that he shall expatiate on the
subject, and call it by what name he pleases,
platonic or conjugal, provided he will let me
take my own time for the consummation. I
have consented that he shall escort me, next
week, to see my mamma and my Lucy. O, how
the idea of returning to that revered mansion,
to those beloved friends, exhilerates my spirits!
General Richman's politeness to me has induced
him to invite a large party of those gentlemen
and ladies who have been particularly attentive
to me, during my residence here, to dine
and take tea, to morrow. After that, I expect
to be engaged in making farewell visits, till I
leave the place. I shall, therefore, forego the
pleasure of telling you any occurrences, subsequent
to this date, until you see and converse
with your sincere friend,
