into society.  My heart beats high in expectation of its fancied joys.  My sanguine imagination paints, in alluring colors, the charms of youth and freedom, regulated by virtue and innocence.  Of these I wish to partake.  While I own myself under obligations for the esteem which you are pleased to profess for me, and, in return, acknowledge that neither your person nor manners are disagreeable to me, I recoil at the thought of immediately forming a connection which must confine me to the duties of domestic life, and make me dependent for happiness, perhaps, too, for subsistence, upon a class of people who will claim the right of scrutinizing every part of my conduct, and, by censuring those foibles which I am conscious of not having prudence to avoid, may render me completely miserable.  While, therefore, I receive your visits, and cultivate towards you sentiments of friendship and esteem, I would not have you consider me as confined to your society, or obligated to a future connection.  Our short acquaintance renders it impossible for me to decide what the operations of my mind may hereafter be.  You must either quit the subject, or leave me to the exercise of my free will, which, perhaps, may coincide with your present wishes.”  “Madam,” said he, “far is the wish from me to restrain your person or mind.  In your breast I will repose my cause.  It shall be my study to merit a return of affection; and I doubt not but generosity and honor will influence your conduct towards me.  I expect soon to settle among a generous and enlightened people, where I flatter myself I shall be exempt from those difficulties and embarrassments to which too many of my brethren are subject.  The local situation is agreeable, the society refined 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.