"
"Must I, then, become an avowed prude at once, and refuse him admission
if he call in compliance with the customary forms?" "By no means. I am
sensible that even the false maxims of the world must be complied with
in a degree. But a man of Major Sanford's art can easily distinguish
between a forbidding and an encouraging reception. The former may, in
this case, be given without any breach of the rules of politeness."
Astonished and mortified, I knew not what further to say. I had been so
pleased with the man that I wished to plead in his favor; but virtue and
prudence forbade. I therefore rose and retired. He is this moment, I am
told, below stairs; so that I must bid you adieu until the next post.
ELIZA WHARTON.
LETTER X.
TO THE SAME.
NEW HAVEN.
Upon closing my last, I walked down, and found Major Sanford alone. He
met me at the door of the parlor, and, taking my hand with an air of
affectionate tenderness, led me to a seat, and took one beside me. I
believe the gloom of suspicion had not entirely forsaken my brow. He
appeared, however, not to notice it, but, after the compliments of the
day had passed, entered into an easy and agreeable conversation on the
pleasures of society--a conversation perfectly adapted to my taste, and
calculated to dissipate my chagrin and pass the time imperceptibly. He
inquired the place of my native abode; and, having informed him, he said
he had thoughts of purchasing the seat of Captain Pribble, in that
neighborhood, for his residence; and could he be assured of my society
and friendship, his resolution would be fixed.
Pages:
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57