Habituated to an intercourse with the baser part of the sex, they level the whole, and seldom believe any to be incorruptible.  They are always hardhearted and cruel.  How else could they triumph in the miseries which they frequently occasion?  Their specious manners may render them agreeable companions abroad, but at home the evil propensities of their minds will invariably predominate.  They are steeled against the tender affections which render domestic life delightful; strangers to the kind, the endearing sympathies of husband, father, and friend.  The thousand nameless attentions which soften the rugged path of life are neglected, and deemed unworthy of notice, by persons who have been inured to scenes of dissipation and debauchery.  And is a man of this description to be the partner, the companion, the bosom friend of my Eliza?  Forbid it, Heaven!  Let not the noble qualities so lavishly bestowed upon her be thus unworthily sacrificed!

You seem to be particularly charmed with the fortune of Major Sanford, with the gayety of his appearance, with the splendor of his equipage, with the politeness of his manners, with what you call the graces of his person.  These, alas! are superficial, insnaring endowments.  As to fortune, prudence, economy, and regularity are necessary to preserve it when possessed.  Of these Major Sanford is certainly destitute—­unless common fame (which more frequently tells the truth than some are willing to allow) does him great injustice.  As to external parade, it will not satisfy the rational mind when it aspires to those substantial pleasures for which yours is formed.  And as to the graces of person and manners, they are but a wretched substitute for those virtues which adorn and dignify human life.  Can you, who have always been used to serenity and order in a family, to rational, refined, and improving conversation, relinquish them, and launch into the whirlpool of frivolity, where the correct taste and the delicate sensibility which you possess must constantly be wounded by the frothy and illiberal sallies of licentious wit?

This, my dear, is but a faint picture of the situation to which you seem inclined.  Reverse the scene, and you will perceive the alternative which is submitted to your option in a virtuous connection with Mr. Boyer.  Remember that you are acting for life, and that your happiness in this world, perhaps in the next, depends on your present choice.

I called last evening to see your mamma.  She is fondly anticipating your return, and rejoicing in the prospect of your agreeable and speedy settlement.  I could not find it in my heart to distress her by intimating that you had other views.  I wish her benevolent bosom nevermore to feel the pangs of disappointed hope.

I am busily engaged in preparing for my nuptials.  The solemn words, “As long as ye both shall live,” render me thoughtful and serious.  I hope for your enlivening presence soon, which will prove a seasonable cordial to the spirits of your