; but is it
not difficult to ascertain what we can pronounce "an elegant
sufficiency"? Perhaps you will answer, as some others have done, we can
attain it by circumscribing our wishes within the compass of our
abilities. I am not very avaricious; yet I must own that I should like
to enjoy it without so much trouble as that would cost me.

Excuse my seeming levity. You have flattered my cheerfulness by
commending it, and must, therefore, indulge me in the exercise of it. I
cannot conveniently be at the pains of restraining its sallies when I
write in confidence.

Is a sprightly disposition, in your view, indicative of a giddy mind
or an innocent heart? Of the latter, I presume; for I know you are not a
misanthrope.

We expect the pleasure of Mr. Selby's company to dinner. You are
certainly under obligations to his friendship for the liberal encomiums
he bestowed on you and your prospects yesterday. Mrs. Richman rallied
me, after he was gone, on my listening ear. The general and she unite in
requesting me to present their respects.

Wishing you health and happiness, I subscribe myself your friend,

ELIZA WHARTON.

LETTER XXVI.

TO MISS LUCY FREEMAN.

NEW HAVEN.

I am perplexed and embarrassed, my friend, by the assiduous attentions
of this Major Sanford. I shall write circumstantially and frankly to
you, that I may have the benefit of your advice. He came here last
Monday in company with Mr. Lawrence, his wife, and daughter, to make us
a visit. While they were present, a Mr. Selby, a particular friend of
Mr. Boyer, came in, and delivered me a letter from him. I was really
happy in the reception of this proof of his affection. His friend gave a
very flattering account of his situation and prospects.

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 precon