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

BECOMING AMERICA
REVOLUTIONARY AND EARLY NATIONAL PERIOD LITERATURE
rened and polished; and if, in addition, I may obtain that felicity which you are
formed to bestow in a family connection, I shall be happy indeed.”
He spoke with emphasis. The tear of sensibility sparkled in his eye. I
involuntarily gave him my hand, which he pressed with ardor to his lips; then,
rising, he walked to the window to conceal his emotion. I rang the bell and ordered
tea, during and after which we shared that social converse which is the true zest of
life, and in which I am persuaded none but virtuous minds can participate. General
Richman and lady returned with the shades of the evening. The penetrating eye
of my cousin traced in our countenances the progress of the cause, and the smile
of approbation animated hers. Mr. Boyer asked the favor of my company to ride
to-morrow morning; which was granted. He tarried to supper, and took his leave.
I retired immediately to my chamber, to which I was followed by Mrs. Richman.
I related to her the conversation and the encouragement which I had given to Mr.
Boyer. She was pleased, but insisted that I should own myself somewhat engaged
to him. This, I told her, I should never do to any man before the indissoluble knot
was tied. “That,” said I, “will be time enough to resign my freedom.” She replied,
that I had wrong ideas of freedom and matrimony; but she hoped that Mr. Boyer
would happily rectify them.
I have now, my dear friend, given you an account of my present situation, and
leave you to judge for yourself concerning it. Write me your opinion, and believe
me ever yours,
ELIZA WHARTON.
Letter XV
TO MISS ELIZA WHARTON.
HARTFORD.
I congratulate you, my dear Eliza, on the stability of your conduct towards Mr.
Boyer. Pursue the system which you have adopted, and I dare say that happiness
will crown your future days. You are indeed very tenacious of your freedom, as you
call it; but that is a play about words. A man of Mr. Boyer’s honor and good sense
will never abridge any privileges which virtue can claim.
When do you return to embellish our society here? I am impatient to see you,
and likewise this amiable man. I am much interested in his favor. By the way, I am
told that Major Sanford has been to look at the seat of Captain Pribble, which is
upon sale. It is reported that he will probably purchase it. Many of our gentry are
pleased with the prospect of such a neighbor. “As an accomplished gentleman,”
say they, “he will be an agreeable addition to our social parties; and as a man of
property and public spirit, he will be an advantage to the town.” But from what I
have heard of him, I am far from supposing him a desirable acquisition in either of
these respects. A man of a vicious character cannot be a good member of society.
In order to that, his principles and practice must be uncorrupted; in his morals, at
least, he must be a man of probity and honor. Of these qualications, if I mistake
not, this gallant of yours cannot boast. But I shall not set up for a censor. I hope
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