a caveat against male friendships, which are only fit for
ladies of the _salamandrine_ order.

I desire to engross all Emily's _kind propensities_ to myself;
and should grudge the least share in her heart, or, if you please in
her _friendship_, to an archangel.

However, not to be too severe, since prudery expects women to have
no propensities at all, I allow single ladies, of all ranks, sizes,
ages, and complexions, to spread the veil of friendship between their
hearts and the world.

'Tis the finest day I ever saw, though the middle of November; a dry
soft west wind, the air as mild as in April, and an almost Canadian
sunshine.

I have been bathing in the clear stream, at the end of my garden;
the same stream in which I laved my careless bosom at thirteen; an
idea which gave me inconceivable delight; and the more, as my bosom is
as gay and tranquil at this moment as in those dear hours of
chearfulness and innocence.

Of all local prejudices, that is the strongest as well as most
pleasing, which attaches us to the place of our birth.

Sweet home! only seat of true and genuine happiness.

I am extremely in the humor to write a poem to the houshold gods.

We neglect these amiable deities, but they are revenged; true
pleasure is only to be found under their auspices.

I know not how it is, my dear Fitzgerald; but I don't find my
passion for the country abate.

I still find the scenes around me lovely; though, from the change
of season, less smiling than when I first fixed at Bellfield; we have
rural business enough to amuse, not embarrass us; we have a small but
excellent library of books, given us by my mother; she and Emily are
two of the most pleasing companions on earth; the neighbourhood is full
of agreable people, and, what should always be attended to in fixing in
the country, of fortunes not superior to our own.

The evenings grow long, but they are only the more jovial; I love
the pleasures of the table, not for their own sakes, for no man is more
indifferent on this subject; but because they promote social,
convivial joy, and bring people together in good humor with themselves
and each other.

My Emily's suppers are enchanting; but our little income obliges us
to have few: if I was rich, this would be my principal extravagance.

To fill up my measure of content, Emily is pleased with my
retirement, and finds all her happiness in my affection.

We are so little alone, that I find our moments of