We returned to
General Richman's about two. Major Sanford asked leave to call and
inquire after my health this morning; and I am now expecting him. I rose
to breakfast. The late hour of retiring to rest had not depressed, but
rather exhilarated, my spirits. My friends were waiting for me in their
parlor. They received me sociably, inquired after my health, my last
evening's entertainment, the company, &c.; when, after a little pause,
Mrs. Richman said, "And how do you like Major Sanford, Eliza?" "Very
well indeed, madam; I think him a finished gentleman. Will you, who are
a connoisseur, allow him that title?" "No, my dear; in my opinion he
falls far below it, since he is deficient in one of the great essentials
of the character; and that is _virtue_." "I am surprised," said I; "but
how has he incurred so severe a censure?" "By being a professed
libertine; by having but too successfully, practised the arts of
seduction; by triumphing in the destruction of innocence and the peace
of families." "O, why was I not informed of this before? But perhaps
these are old affairs--the effects of juvenile folly--crimes of which he
may have repented, and which charity ought to obliterate." "No, my dear,
they are recent facts---facts which he dares not deny--facts for which
he ought to be banished from all virtuous society. I should have
intimated this to you before; but your precipitate acceptance of his
invitation deprived me of an opportunity until it was too late to
prevent your going with him; and we thought it best to protract your
enjoyment as long as possible, not doubting but your virtue and delicacy
would, in future, guard you against the like deception.
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