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 a 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.

Whatever my fate may be, I shall always continue your

ELIZA WHARTON.

LETTER IV.

TO MR. SELBY.

NEW HAVEN.

You ask me, my friend, whether I am in pursuit of truth, or a lady.  I answer, Both.  I hope and trust they are united, and really expect to find Truth, and the Virtues and Graces besides, in a fair form.  If you mean by the first part of your question whether I am searching into the sublimer doctrines of religion,—­to these I would by no means be inattentive; but, to be honest, my studies of that kind have been very much interrupted of late.  The respectable circle of acquaintances with which I am honored here has rendered my visits very frequent and numerous.  In one of these I was introduced to Miss Eliza Wharton—­a young lady whose elegant person, accomplished mind, and polished manners have been much celebrated.  Her fame has often reached me; but, as the Queen of Sheba said to Solomon, the half was not told me.  You will think that I talk in the style of a lover.

I confess it; nor am I ashamed to rank myself among the professed admirers of this lovely fair one.  I am in no danger, however, of becoming an enthusiastic devotee.  No; I mean I act upon just and rational principles.  Expecting soon to settle in an eligible situation, if such a companion as I am persuaded she will make me may fall to my lot, I shall deem myself as happy as this state of imperfection will admit.  She is now resident at General Richman’s.  The general and his lady are her particular friends;