University of Virginia Library

LETTER VI.

I had scarcely seated myself at the
breakfast table this morning, when a servant
entered with a card of invitation from Major
Sanford, requesting the happiness of my hand
this evening, at a ball, given by Mr. Atkins,
about three miles from this. I shewed the billet
to Mrs. Richman, saying, I have not much
acquaintance with this gentleman, madam; but
I suppose his character sufficiently respectable to
warrant an affirmative answer. He is a gay
man, my dear, to say no more, and such are the
companions we wish, when we join a party avowedly
formed for pleasure. I then stepped
into my apartment, wrote an answer, and dispatched
the servant. When I returned to the
parlour, something disapprobating appeared in
the countenances of both my friends. I endeavored
without seeming to observe, to dissipate it
by chit chat; but they were better pleased with
each other than with me; and soon rising,
walked into the garden, and left me to amuse
myself alone. My eyes followed them through
the window. Happy pair, said I. Should it

ever be my fate to wear the hymenial chain,
may I be thus united! The purest and most ardent
affection, the greatest consonance of taste
and disposition, and the most congenial virtue
and wishes distinguish this lovely couple. Health
and wealth, with every attendant blessing preside
over their favored dwelling, and shed their
benign influence without alloy. The consciousness
of exciting their displeasure gave me pain;
but I consoled myself with the idea that it was
ill founded.

They should consider, said I, that they have
no satisfaction to look for beyond each other.

There every enjoyment is centered; but I
am a poor solitary being, who need some amusement
beyond what I can supply myself. The
mind, after being confined at home for a while,
sends the imagination abroad in quest of new
treasures, and the body may as well accompany
it, for ought I can see.

General Richman and lady have ever appeared
solicitous to promote my happiness
since I have resided with them. They have urged
my acceptance of invitations to join parties,
though they have not been much themselves,
of late; as Mrs. Richman's present circumstances
render her fond of retirement. What
reason can be assigned for their apparent reluctance
to this evening's entertainment is to
me incomprehensible; but I shall apply the
chymical powers of friendship, and extract the
secret from Mrs. Richman to morrow if not

before. Adieu. I am now summoned to dinner,
and after that shall be engaged in preparation
till the wished for hour of hilarity and
mirth engrosses every faculty of your