LETTER XXXVI.
TO MRS. RICHMAN.
Hartford.
From the scenes of sestive mirth,
from the conviviality of rejoicing friends, and
from the dissipating amusements of the gay
world, I retire with alacrity, to hail my beloved
friend on the important charge which she has
received; on the accession to her family, and,
may I not say, on the addition to her care; since
that care will be more than counterbalanced by
the pleasure it consers. Hail happy babe! Ushered
into the world by the best of mothers; entitled
by birth-right to virtue and honor; defended
by parental love, from the weakness of
infancy and childhood, by guardian wisdom
from the perils of youth, and by affluent independence
from the griping hand of poverty, in
more advanced life! May these animating prospects
be realised by your little daughter; and
may you long enjoy the rich reward of seeing
her all that you wish!
Yesterday, my dear friend, Lucy Freeman
gave her hand to the amiable and accomplished
Mr. George Sumner. A large circle of
congratulating friends were present. Her dress
was such as wealth and elegance required. Her
deportment was every thing that modesty and
propriety could suggest. They are, indeed, a
charming couple. The consonance of their dispositions,
the similarity of their tastes, and the
equality of their ages are a sure pledge of happiness.
Every eye beamed with pleasure on the
occasion, and every tongue echoed the wishes of
benevolence. Mine only was silent. Though
not less interested in the felicity of my friend
than the rest, yet the idea of a separation; perhaps,
of an alienation of affection, by means of
her entire devotion to another, cast an involuntary
gloom over my mind. Mr. Boyer took
my hand, after the ceremony was past. Permit
me, Miss Wharton, said he, to lead you to your
lovely friend; her happiness must be heightened
by your participation of it. Oh no; said I,
I am too selfish for that. She has conferred upon
another that affection which I wished to engross.
My love was too servent to admit a rival.
Retaliate then, said he, this fancied wrong, by
doing likewise. I observed that this was not a
proper time to discuss that subject; and, resuming
my feat, endeavored to put on the appearance
of my accustomed vivacity. I need nor
relate the remaining particulars of the evening's
entertainment. Mr. Boyer returned with my
mamma, and I remained at Mrs. Freeman's.
We are to have a ball here, this evening.
Mr. Boyer has been with us, and tried to monopolize
my company; but in vain. I am too much
engaged by the exhilerating scenes around, for
attending to a subject which affords no variety.
I shall not close this till to morrow.
—I am rather fatigued with the amusements
of last night, which were protracted to a
late hour. Mr. Boyer was present; and I was
pleased to see him not averse to the entertainment,
though his profession prevented his taking
an active part. As all the neighboring gentry
were invited, Mr. Freeman would, by no means,
omit Major Sanford, which his daughter earnestly
solicited. It happened (unfortunately, shall I
say?) that I drew him for a partner. Yet I must
own, that I felt very little reluctance to my lot.
He is an excellent dancer, and well calculated
for a companion in the hours of mirth and gaiety.
I regretted Mr. Boyer's being present, however;
because my enjoyment seemed to give him pain.
I hope he is not inclined to the passion of jealousy.
If he is, I fear it will be somewhat exercised.
Lucy Freeman, now Mrs. Sumner, removes,
next week, to Boston. I have agreed to accompany
her, and spend a month or two in her family.
This will give variety to the journey of life.
Be so kind as to direct your next letter to me
there.
Kiss the dear little babe for me. Give love,
compliments, &c. as respectively due; and believe
me, with every sentiment of respect, your
affectionate
