University of Virginia Library

LETTER II.

Time, which effaces every occasional
impression, I find gradually dispelling the pleasing
pensiveness, which the melancholy event,
the subject of my last, had diffused over my
mind. Naturally cheerful, volatile, and unreflecting,
the opposite disposition, I have found
to contain sources of enjoyment, which I was
before unconscious of possessing.

My friends, here, are the picture of conjugal
felicity. The situation is delightful. The visiting
parties perfectly agreeable. Every thing
tends to facilitate the return of my accustomed
vivacity. I have written to my mother, and
received an answer. She praises my fortitude,
and admires the philosophy which I have exerted,
under, what she calls, my heavy bereavement.
Poor woman! She little thinks that
my heart was untouched; and when that is
unaffected, other sentiments and passions make
but a transient impression. I have been, for a
month or two, excluded from the gay world;
and, indeed, fancied myself soaring above it.
It is now that I begin to descend, and find my

natural propensity for mixing in the busy scenes
and active pleasures of life returning. I have
received your letter; your moral lecture rather;
and be assured, my dear, your monitorial
lessons and advice shall be attended to. I believe
I shall never again resume those airs,
which you term coquettish, but which I think
deserve a softer appellation; as they proceed
from an innocent heart, and are the effusions
of a youthful, and cheerful mind. We are all
envited to spend the day, to morrow, at Col.
Farington's, who has an elegant seat in this
neighbourhood. Both he and his Lady are
strangers to me; but the friends, by whom I
am introduced, will procure me a welcome reception.
Adieu.