ported that he will
probably purchase it. Many of our gentry are pleased with the prospect
of such a neighbor. "As an accomplished gentleman," say they, "he will
be an agreeable addition to our social parties; and as a man of property
and public spirit, he will be an advantage to the town." But from what I
have heard of him, I am far from supposing him a desirable acquisition
in either of these respects. A man of a vicious character cannot be a
good member of society. In order to that, his principles and practice
must be uncorrupted; in his morals, at least, he must be a man of
probity and honor. Of these qualifications, if I mistake not, this
gallant of yours cannot boast. But I shall not set up for a censor. I
hope neither you nor I shall have much connection with him. My swain
interests himself very much in your affairs. You will possibly think him
impertinent; but I give his curiosity a softer name. Should I own to you
that I place great confidence in his integrity and honor, you would,
perhaps, laugh at my weakness; but, my dear, I have pride enough to keep
me above coquetry or prudery, and discretion enough, I hope, to secure
me from the errors of both. With him I am determined to walk the future
round of life. What folly, then, would it be to affect reserve and
distance relative to an affair in which I have so much interest! Not
that I am going to betray your secrets; these I have no right to
divulge; but I must be the judge what may, and what may not, be
communicated. I am very much pressed for an early day of consummation;
but I shall not listen to a request of that kind till your return. Such
is my regard for you, that a union of love would be imperfect if
friendship attended not the rites. Adieu.

LUCY FREEMAN.

LETTER XVI.

TO MISS LUCY FREEMAN.

NEW HAVEN.

We go on charmingly here, almost as soft and smooth as your ladyship. It
seems to me that love must stagnate if it have not a light breeze of
discord once in a while to keep it in motion. We have not tried any yet,
however. We had a lovely tour this forenoon, were out three long hours,
and returned to dinner in perfect harmony.

Mr. Boyer informed me that he should set out to-morrow morning for his
future residence, and soon put on the sacred bands. He solicited an
epistolary correspondence, at the same time, as an alleviation of the
care which that weighty charge would bring on his mind. I consented,
telling him that he must not expect any thi