We now went into more general conversation.  Tea was served; and I soon after took leave.  General Richman, however, insisted on my dining with him on Thursday; which I promised.  And here I am again over head and ears in the hypo—­a disease, you will say, peculiar to students.  I believe it peculiar to lovers; and with that class I must now rank myself, though I did not know, until this evening, that I was so much engaged as I find I really am.  I knew, indeed, that I was extremely pleased with this amiable girl; that I was interested in her favor; that I was happier in her company than any where else; with innumerable other circumstances, which would have told me the truth had I examined them.  But be that as it may, I hope and trust that I am, and ever shall be, a reasonable creature, and not suffer my judgment to be misled by the operations of a blind passion.

I shall now lay aside this subject; endeavor to divest even my imagination of the charmer; and return, until Thursday, to the contemplation of those truths and duties which have a happy tendency to calm the jarring elements which compose our mortal frame.  Adieu.

J. BOYER.

LETTER VIII.

TO MR. CHARLES DEIGHTON.

NEW HAVEN.

We had an elegant ball, last night, Charles; and what is still more to the taste of your old friend, I had an elegant partner; one exactly calculated to please my fancy—­gay, volatile, apparently thoughtless of every thing but present enjoyment.  It was Miss Eliza Wharton—­a young lady whose agreeable person, polished manners, and refined talents have rendered her the toast of the country around for these two years; though for half that time she has had a clerical lover imposed on her by her friends; for I am told it was not agreeable to her inclination.  By this same clerical lover of hers she was for several months confined as a nurse.  But his death has happily relieved her; and she now returns to the world with redoubled lustre.  At present she is a visitor to Mrs. Richman, who is a relation.  I first saw her on a party of pleasure at Mr. Frazier’s, where we walked, talked, sang, and danced together.  I thought her cousin watched her with a jealous eye; for she is, you must know, a prude; and immaculate—­more so than you or I—­must be the man who claims admission to her society.  But I fancy this young lady is a coquette; and if so, I shall avenge my sex by retaliating the mischiefs she meditates against us.  Not that I have any ill designs, but only to play off her own artillery by using a little unmeaning gallantry.  And let her beware of the consequences.  A young clergyman came in at General Richman’s yesterday, while I was waiting for Eliza, who was much more cordially received by the general and his lady than was your humble servant; but I lay that up.

When she entered the room, an air of mutual embarrassment was evident.  The lady recovered her assurance much more easily than the gentleman.  I am just going to ride, and shall make it in my way to call and inquire after the health of my dulcinea.  Therefore, adieu for the present.