The Coquette eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 214 pages of information about The Coquette.

The Coquette eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 214 pages of information about The Coquette.

Every thing hereabouts recalls Eliza to my mind.  I impatiently anticipate the hour which will convey me to her presence.

PETER SANFORD.

LETTER LV.

TO MRS. LUCY SUMNER.

HARTFORD.

A new scene has opened upon us to-day, my dear Mrs. Sumner—­a visit from Major Sanford.  My mamma, Miss Granby, and myself were sitting together in the chamber.  Miss Granby was entertaining us by reading aloud in Millot’s Elements of History, when a servant rapped at the door, and handed in the following billet:—­

“Will Miss Wharton condescend to converse a few moments with her once-favored Sanford?  He is but too sensible that he has forfeited all claim to the privilege.  He therefore presumes not to request it on the score of merit, nor of former acquaintance, but solicits it from her benevolence and pity.”

I read and showed it to my mamma and Julia.  “What,” said I, “shall I do?  I wish not to see him.  His artifice has destroyed my peace of mind, and his presence may open the wounds which time is closing.”  “Act,” said my mamma, “agreeably to the dictates of your own judgment.”  “I see no harm in conversing with him,” said Julia.  “Perhaps it may remove some disagreeable thoughts which now oppress and give you pain.  And as he is no longer a candidate for your affections,” added she with a smile, “it will be less hazardous than formerly.  He will not have the insolence to speak, nor you the folly to hear, the language of love.”

He was accordingly invited in.  When I rose to go down, I hesitated, and even trembled.  “I fear,” said I to myself, “it will be too much for me; yet why should it?  Conscious innocence will support me.  This he has not.”  When I entered the room he stepped forward to meet me.  Confusion and shame were visibly depicted in his countenance.  He approached me hastily and without uttering a word, took my hand.  I withdrew it.  “O Miss Wharton,” said he, “despise me not.  I am convinced that I deserve your displeasure and disdain; but my own heart has avenged your cause.”  “To your own heart, then,” said I, “I will leave you.  But why do you again seek an interview with one whom you have endeavored to mislead—­with one whom you have treated with unmerited neglect?”

“Justice to myself required my appearing before you, that, by confessing my faults and obtaining your forgiveness, I might soften the reproaches of my own mind.”  “Will you be seated, sir?” said I.  “Will you,” rejoined he, “condescend to sit with me, Eliza?” “I will, sir,” answered I “The rights of hospitality I shall not infringe.  In my own house, therefore, I shall treat you with civility.”  “Indeed,” said he, “you are very severe; but I have provoked all the coldness and reserve which you can inflict.

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The Coquette from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.