Becoming America - An Exploration of American Literature from Precolonial to Post-Revolution, 2018a

BECOMING AMERICA
REVOLUTIONARY AND EARLY NATIONAL PERIOD LITERATURE
between friends are weakened or dissolved; and benevolence itself moves in a very
limited sphere.” “It is the glory of the marriage state,” she rejoined, “to rene by
circumscribing our enjoyments. Here we can repose in safety.
‘The friendships of the world are oft
Confed’racies in vice, or leagues in pleasure:
Ours has the purest virtue for its basis;
And such a friendship ends not but with life.’
True, we cannot always pay that attention to former associates which we may
wish; but the little community which we superintend is quite as important an
object, and certainly renders us more benecial to the public. True benevolence,
though it may change its objects, is not limited by time or place. Its eects are the
same, and, aided by a second self, are rendered more diusive and salutary.”
Some pleasantry passed, and we retired to dress. When summoned to dinner,
I found Mr. Boyer below. If what is sometimes said be true, that love is dident,
reserved, and unassuming, this man must be tinctured with it. These symptoms
were visible in his deportment when I entered the room. However, he soon
recovered himself, and the conversation took a general turn. The festive board was
crowned with sociability, and we found in reality “the feast of reason and the ow of
soul.” After we rose from table, a walk in the garden was proposed—an amusement
we are all peculiarly fond of. Mr. Boyer oered me his arm. When at a sucient
distance from our company, he begged leave to congratulate himself on having an
opportunity, which he had ardently desired for some time, of declaring to me his
attachment, and of soliciting an interest in my favor; or, if he might be allowed the
term, aection. I replied, “That, sir, is indeed laying claim to an important interest.
I believe you must substitute some more indierent epithet for the present.” “Well,
then,” said he, “if it must be so, let it be esteem or friendship.” “Indeed, sir,” said I,
“you are entitled to them both. Merit has always a share in that bank; and I know
of none who has a larger claim on that score than Mr. Boyer.” I suppose my manner
was hardly serious enough for what he considered a weighty cause. He was a little
disconcerted, but, soon regaining his presence of mind, entreated me, with an air
of earnestness, to encourage his suit, to admit his addresses, and, if possible, to
reward his love. I told him that this was rather a sudden aair to me, and that I
could not answer him without consideration. “Well, then,” said he, “take what time
you think proper; only relieve my suspense as soon as may be. Shall I visit you again
to-morrow?” “O, not so soon,” said I; “next Monday, I believe, will be early enough.
I will endeavor to be at home.” He thanked me even for that favor, recommended
himself once more to my kindness, and we walked towards the company, returned
with them to the house, and he soon took leave. I immediately retired to write this
letter, which I shall close without a single observation on the subject until I know
your opinion.
ELIZA WHARTON.
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