University of Virginia Library

I DID not intend, when we parted at the
boarding school, that a whole month should have
elapsed without bearing you some testimony of
my continued friendship and affection; but so
numerous have been my avocations, and so various
my engagements, that I have scarcely called
a moment my own since I returned home.
Having been from town a year, I was considered
as too antique to appear in company abroad, till
I had been perfectly metamorphosed. Every part
of my habit has undergone a complete change, in
conformity to the present fashion. It was with
extreme regret that I parted with the neatness
and simplicity of my country dress; which, according
to my ideas of modesty, was more becoming.
But, I trust, this alteration of appearance
will have no tendency to alienate those
sentiments from my heart, which I imbibed
under the tuition of Mrs. Williams.

I went, last evening, to the assembly; but
though dazzled, I was by no means charmed, by
the glare of finery and tinselled decorations that
were displayed.

There were some ladies, whose gentility and
fashionable dress were evidently the product of

a correct taste; but others were so disguised by
tawdry gewgaws, as to disgust me exceedingly.

Mrs. Williams used to say, that the dress was
indicative of the mind. If this observation be
just, what opinion am I to form of the gay multitudes
who trip along the streets, and throng the
places of public resort in this metropolis; the
lightness and gaudiness of whose appearance,
bespeak a sickly taste, to say no more!

I am furnished with feathers, flowers, and
ribbons, in profusion. I shall, however, use
them very sparingly; and though I would not
be entirely singular, yet I must insist on consulting
my own fancy a little, and cannot willingly
sacrifice my own opinion to the capricious whims
of fashion, and her devotees. My aunt Laurence,
who, you know, is extravagantly genteel, is
making us a visit. She laughs very heartily at
my silly notions, as she calls them, and styles me
a novice in the ways of the world; but hopes,
notwithstanding, that I shall acquire a better
taste, when I am more acquainted with fashionable
life. That I may be much improved by a
more extensive knowledge of the world, I doubt
not; yet may I never be corrupted by that levity
and folly, which are too prevalent among a part
of my sex.

I will not, however, censure and condemn
others; but attend to myself and be humble.
Adieu.