The retirement of my native home is not so gloomy, since my return from Boston, as I expected, from the contrast between them.  Indeed, the customs and amusements of this place are materially altered since the residence of Major Sanford among us.  The dull, old-fashioned sobriety which formerly prevailed is nearly banished, and cheerfulness, vivacity, and enjoyment are substituted in its stead.  Pleasure is now diffused through all ranks of the people, especially the rich; and surely it ought to be cultivated, since the wisest of men informs us that a merry heart “doth good like a medicine.”  As human life hath many diseases which require medicines, are we not right in selecting the most agreeable and palatable?  Major Sanford’s example has had great influence upon our society in general; and though some of our old ones think him rather licentious, yet, for aught I can see, he is as strict an observer of decorum as the best of them.  True, he seldom goes to church; but what of that?  The Deity is not confined to temples made with hands.  He may worship him as devoutly elsewhere, if he chooses; and who has a right to say he does not?

His return from Boston was but a day or two after mine.  He paid me an early visit, and, indeed, has been very attentive ever since.  My mamma is somewhat precise in her notions of propriety, and, of course, blames me for associating so freely with him.  She says that my engagements to Mr. Boyer ought to render me more sedate, and more indifferent to the gallantry of mere pleasure hunters, to use her phrase.  But I think otherwise.  If I am to become a recluse, let me at least enjoy those amusements which are suited to my taste a short time first.  Why should I refuse the polite attentions of this gentleman?  They smooth the rugged path of life, and wonderfully accelerate the lagging wheels of time.

Indeed, Lucy, he has an admirable talent for contributing to vary and increase amusement.  We have few hours unimproved.  Some new plan of pleasure and sociability is constantly courting our adoption.  He lives in all the magnificence of a prince:  and why should I, who can doubtless share that magnificence if I please, forego the advantages and indulgences it offers, merely to gratify those friends who pretend to be better judges of my happiness than I am myself?  I have not yet told my mamma that he entertains me with the lover’s theme, or, at least, that I listen to it.  Yet I must own to you, from whom I have never concealed an action or idea, that his situation in life charms my imagination; that the apparent fervor and sincerity of his passion affect my heart.  Yet there is something extremely problematical in his conduct.  He is very urgent with me to dissolve my connection with Mr. Boyer, and engage not to marry him without his consent, or knowledge, to say no more.  He warmly applauds my wish still longer to enjoy the freedom and independence of a single state, and professedly adopts it for his own.