University of Virginia Library

LETTER LXV.

Good news, Charles, good news!
I have arrived to the utmost bounds of my
wishes; the full possession of my adorable
Eliza! I have heard a quotation from a certain
book; but what book it was I have forgotten,
if I ever knew. No matter for that;

the quotation is, that “stolen waters are
sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”
If it has reference to the pleasures, which I
have enjoyed with Eliza, I like it hugely, as
Tristram Shandy's father said of Yorick's sermon;
and I think it fully verified.

I had a long and tedious siege. Every method
which love could fuggest, or art invent,
was adopted. I was sometimes ready to despair,
under an idea that her resolution was unconquerable,
her virtue impregnable. Indeed,
I should have given over the pursuit long ago,
but for the hopes of success I entertained
from her parlying with me, and in reliance
upon her own strength, endeavoring to combat,
and counteract my designs. Whenever
this has been the case, Charles, I have never
yet been defeated in my plan. If a lady will
consent to enter the lists against the antagonist
of her honor, she may be sure of loosing the
prize. Besides; were her delicacy genuine,
the would banish the man at once, who presumed
to doubt, which he certainly does, who
attempts to vanquish it!

But, far be it from me to criticise the pretensions
of the sex. If I gain the rich reward
of my dissimulation and gallantry, that you
know is all I want.

To return then to the point. An unlucky,
but not a miraculous accident, has taken place,
which must soon expose our amour. What

can be done? At the first discovery, absolute
distraction seized the soul of Eliza, which has
since terminated in a fixed melancholy. Her
health too is much impaired. She thinks herself
rapidly declining; and I tremble when I
see her emaciated form!

My wife has been reduced very low, of late.
She brought me a boy a few weeks past, a dead
one though.

These circumstances give me neither pain
nor pleasure. I am too much ingrossed by
my divinity, to take an interest in any thing
else. True, I have lately suffered myself to be
somewhat engaged here and there, by a few
jovial lads, who assist me in dispelling the anxious
thoughts, which my perplexed situation
excites. I must, however, seek some
means to relieve Eliza's distress. My finances
are low; but the last fraction shall be expended
in her service, if she need it.

Julia Granby is expected at Mrs. Wharton's
every hour. I fear that her inquisitorial
eye will soon detect our intrigue, and obstruct
its continuation. Now there's a girl,
Charles, I should never attempt to seduce;
yet she is a most alluring object, I assure you.
But the dignity of her manners forbid all asfaults
upon her virtue. Why, the very expression
of her eye, blasts in the bud, every
thought, derogatory to her honor; and tells
you plainly, that the first insinuation of the

kind, would be punished with eternal banishment
and displeasure! Of her there is no
danger! But I can write no more, except that
I am, &c.