e before Eliza appeared; and when
she did appear, the distant reserve of her manners and the pensiveness
of her countenance convinced me that she had been vexed, and I doubted
not but Peter Sanford was the occasion. Her wise cousin, I could have
sworn, had been giving her a detail of the vices of her gallant, and
warning her against the dangers of associating with him in future.
Notwithstanding, I took no notice of any alteration in her behavior, but
entered with the utmost facetiousness into a conversation which I
thought most to her taste. By degrees she assumed her usual vivacity;
cheerfulness and good humor again animated her countenance. I tarried
as long as decency would admit. She having intimated that they were to
dine at my friend Lawrence's, I caught at this information, and
determined to follow them, and tease the jealous Mrs. Richman by playing
off all the gallantry I was master of in her presence.

I went, and succeeded to the utmost of my wishes, as I read in the
vexation visible in the one, and the ease and attention displayed by the
other. I believe, too, that I have charmed the eye, at least, of the
amiable Eliza. Indeed, Charles, she is a fine girl. I think it would
hurt my conscience to wound her mind or reputation. Were I disposed to
marry, I am persuaded she would make an excellent wife; but that, you
know, is no part of my plan, so long as I can keep out of the noose.
Whenever I do submit to be shackled, it must be from a necessity of
mending my fortune. This girl would be far from doing that. However, I
am pleased with her acquaintance, and mean not to abuse her credulity
and good nature, if I can help it.

PETER SANFORD.

LETTER XII.

TO MISS LUCY FREEMAN.

NEW HAVEN.

The heart of your friend is again besieged. Whether it will surrender to
the assailants or not I am unable at present to determine. Sometimes I
think of becoming a predestinarian, and submitting implicitly to fate,
without any exercise of free will; but, as mine seems to be a wayward
one, I would counteract the operations of it, if possible.

Mrs. Richman told me this morning that she hoped I should be as
agreeably entertained this afternoon as I had been the preceding; that
she expected Mr. Boyer to dine and take tea, and doubted not but he
would be as attentive and sincere to me, if not as gay and polite, as
the gentleman who obtruded his civilities yesterday. I replied that I
had no reason to doubt the sincerity of th