The watchful eye of Major Sanford traced every word and action respecting Mr. Boyer with an attention which seemed to border on anxiety.  That, however, did not restrain, but rather accelerated, my vivacity and inquisitiveness on the subject; for I wished to know whether it would produce any real effect upon him or not.

After Mr. Selby’s departure, he appeared pensive and thoughtful the remainder of the evening, and evidently sought an opportunity of speaking to me aside, which I studiously avoided.  Miss Lawrence and I formed an engagement to take an airing in the morning on horseback, attended by a relation of hers who is now with them.  They called for me about ten, when we immediately set out upon our preconcerted excursion.  We had not proceeded far before we were met by Major Sanford.  He was extremely polite, and finding our destination was not particular, begged leave to join our party.  This was granted; and we had an agreeable tour for several miles, the time being passed in easy and unstudied remarks upon obvious occurrences.  Major Sanford could not, however, conceal his particular attention to me, which rather nettled Miss Lawrence.  She grew somewhat serious, and declined riding so far as we had intended, alleging that she expected company to dine.

Major Sanford, understanding that she was going to the assembly in the evening with Mr. Gordon, solicited me to accept a ticket, and form a party with them.  The entertainment was alluring, and I consented.  When we had parted with Miss Lawrence, Major Sanford insisted on my riding a little farther, saying he must converse with me on a particular subject, and if I refused him this opportunity, that he must visit me at my residence, let it offend whom it would.  I yielded to his importunity, and we rode on.  He then told me that his mind was in a state of suspense and agitation which was very painful to bear, and which I only could relieve; that my cheerful reception of Mr. Boyer’s letter yesterday, and deportment respecting him, had awakened in his breast all the pangs of jealousy which the most ardent love could feel; that my treatment of Mr. Boyer’s friend convinced him that I was more interested in his affairs than I was willing to own; that he foresaw himself to be condemned to an eternal separation, and the total loss of my favor and society, as soon as time and circumstances would allow.

His zeal, his pathos, alarmed me.  I begged him to be calm.  “To you,” said I, “as a friend, I have intrusted my situation in relation to Mr. Boyer.  You know that I am under no special obligation to him, and I do not intend to form any immediate connection.”  “Mr. Boyer must have different ideas, madam; and he has reason for them, if I may judge by appearances.  When do you expect another visit from him?” “In about a fortnight.”  “And is my fate to be then decided? and so decided, as I fear it will be, through the influence of your friends, if not by your own inclination?” “My friends, sir,