University of Virginia Library

LETTER III.

Is it time for me to talk again of conquests
or must I only enjoy them in silence?
I must write to you the impulses of my mind;
or I must not write at all. You are not so
moroſe, as to wish me to become a nun, would

our country, and religion allow it. I ventured
yesterday to throw aside the habiliments
of mourning, and to array myself in
those more adapted to my taste. We arrived at
Col. Farington's about one o'clock. The
Col. handed me out of the carriage, and introduced
me to a large company assembled in
the Hall. My name was pronounced with an
emphasis; and I was received with the most
flattering tokens of respect. When we were
summoned to dinner, a young gentleman in a
clerical dress offered me his hand, and led
me to a table furnished with an elegant, and
sumptuous repast, with more gallantry, and
address than commonly fall to the share of
students. He sat opposite me at table; and
whenever I raised my eye, it caught his. The
case, and politeness of his manners, with his
particular attention to me, raised my curiosity,
and induced me to ask Mrs. Laiton who he
was? She told me that his name was Boyer;
that he was descended from a worthy family;
had passed with honor and applause through
the university where he was educated; had
since studied divinity with success; and now
had a call to settle as a minister in one of the
first parishes in a neighbouring state.

The gates of a spacious garden were thrown
open, at this instant; and I accepted with avidity
an invitation to walk in it. Mirth, and hilarity
prevailed, and the moments fled on downy
wings; while we traced the beauties of art

and nature, so liberally displayed, and so happily
blended in this delightful retreat. An
enthusiastic admirer of scenes like these, I had
rambled some way from the company, when
I was followed by Mrs. Laiton to offer her condolence
on the supposed loss, which I had
sustained, in the death of Mr. Haly. My heart
rose against the woman, so ignorant of human
nature, as to think such conversation acceptable
at such a time. I made her little reply,
and waved the subject, though I could not immediately
dispel the gloom which it excited.

The absurdity of a custom, authorising people
at a first interview to revive the idea of
griefs, which time has lulled; perhaps obliterated,
is intolerable. To have our enjoyments
arrested by the empty compliments of unthinking
persons, for no other reason, than a compliance
with fashion is to be treated in a manner
which the laws of humanity forbid.

We were soon joined by the gentlemen, who
each selected his partner, and the walk was
prolonged.

Mr. Boyer offered me his arm, which I gladly
accepted; happy to be relieved from the
impertinence of my female companion. We
returned to tea, after which the ladies sung,
and played by turns on the Piano Forte ; while
some of the gentlemen accompanied with the
flute, the clarinet, and the violin, forming
in the whole a very decent concert. An elegant
supper, and half an hour's conversation

after it, closed the evening; when we returned
home, delighted with our entertainment and
pleased with ourselves and each other. My
imagination is so impressed with the festive scenes
of the day, that Morpheus waves his ebon-wand
in vain. The evening is fine beyond the power
of description! all nature is serene and
harmonious; in perfect unison with my present
disposition of mind. I have been taking a retrospect
of my past life; and a few juvenile follies
excepted, which I trust the recording angel has
blotted out with the tear of charity, find an approving
conscience, and a heart at ease. Fortune,
indeed, has not been very liberal of her
gifts to me; but I presume on a large stock in
the bank of friendship, which, united with
health and innocence, give me some pleasing
anticipations of future felicity.
Whatgever my fate may be, I shall always
continue your