ed, is
intolerable. To have our enjoyments arrested by the empty compliments of
unthinking persons for no other reason than a compliance with fashion,
is to be treated in a manner which the laws of humanity forbid.

We were soon joined by the gentlemen, who each selected his partner, and
the walk was prolonged.

Mr. Boyer offered me his arm, which I gladly accepted, happy to be
relieved from the impertinence of my female companion. We returned to
tea; after which the ladies sung, and played by turns on the piano
forte; while some of the gentlemen accompanied with the flute, the
clarinet, and the violin, forming in the whole a very decent concert. An
elegant supper, and half an hour's conversation after it, closed the
evening; when we returned home, delighted with our entertainment, and
pleased with ourselves and each other. My imagination is so impressed
with the festive scenes of the day that Morpheus waves his ebon wand in
vain. The evening is fine beyond the power of description; all Nature is
serene and harmonious, in perfect unison with my present disposition of
mind. I have been taking a retrospect of my past life, and, a few
juvenile follies excepted, which I trust the recording angel has blotted
out with a tear of charity, find an approving conscience and a heart at
ease. Fortune, indeed, has not been very liberal of her gifts to me; but
I presume on a large stock in the bank of friendship, which, united
with health and innocence, give me some pleasing anticipations of future
felicity.

Whatever my fate may be, I shall always continue your

ELIZA WHARTON.

LETTER IV.

TO MR. SELBY.

NEW HAVEN.

You ask me, my friend, whether I am in pursuit of truth, or a lady. I
answer, Both. I hope and trust they are united, and really expect to
find Truth, and the Virtues and Graces besides, in a fair form. If you
mean by the first part of your question whether I am searching into the
sublimer doctrines of religion,--to these I would by no means be
inattentive; but, to be honest, my studies of that kind have been very
much interrupted of late. The respectable circle of acquaintances with
which I am honored here has rendered my visits very frequent and
numerous. In one of these I was introduced to Miss Eliza Wharton--a
young lady whose elegant person, accomplished mind, and polished
manners have been much celebrated. Her fame has often reached me; but,
as the Queen of Sheba said to Solomon, the half was not told