they are warm in her praises.  They tell me, however, that she is naturally of a gay disposition.  No matter for that; it is an agreeable quality, where there is discretion sufficient for its regulation.  A cheerful friend, much more a cheerful wife, is peculiarly necessary to a person of a studious and sedentary life.  They dispel the gloom of retirement, and exhilarate the spirits depressed by intense application.  She was formerly addressed by the late Mr. Haly, of Boston.  He was not, it seems, the man of her choice; but her parents were extremely partial to him, and wished the connection to take place.  She, like a dutiful child, sacrificed her own inclination to their pleasure so far as to acquiesce in his visits.  This she more easily accomplished, as his health, which declined from their first acquaintance, led her to suppose, as the event has proved, that he would not live to enter into any lasting engagements.  Her father, who died some months before him, invited him to reside at his house for the benefit of a change of air, agreeably to the advice of his physicians.  She attended him during his last illness with all the care and assiduity of a nurse and with all the sympathizing tenderness of a sister.

I have had several opportunities of conversing with her.  She discovers an elevated mind, a ready apprehension, and an accurate knowledge of the various subjects which have been brought into view.  I have not yet introduced the favorite subject of my heart.  Indeed, she seems studiously to avoid noticing any expression which leads towards it; but she must hear it soon.  I am sure of the favor and interest of the friends with whom she resides.  They have promised to speak previously in my behalf.  I am to call, as if accidentally, this afternoon just as they are to ride abroad.  They are to refer me to Miss Wharton for entertainment till their return.  What a delightful opportunity for my purpose!  I am counting the hours—­nay, the very moments.  Adieu.  You shall soon again hear from your most obedient,

J. BOYER.

LETTER V.

TO MISS LUCY FREEMAN.

NEW HAVEN.

These bewitching charms of mine have a tendency to keep my mind in a state of perturbation.  I am so pestered with these admirers!  Not that I am so very handsome neither; but, I don’t know how it is, I am certainly very much the taste of the other sex.  Followed, flattered, and caressed, I have cards and compliments in profusion.  But I must try to be serious; for I have, alas! one serious lover.  As I promised you to be particular in my writing, I suppose I must proceed methodically.  Yesterday we had a party to dine.  Mr. Boyer was of the number.  His attention was immediately engrossed; and I soon perceived that every word, every action, and every look was studied to gain my approbation.  As he sat next me at dinner, his assiduity and politeness were pleasing; and as we walked together afterwards,