er. I know I am not a welcome visitor to the
family; but I am independent of their censure or esteem, and mean to act
accordingly.

PETER SANFORD.

LETTER XIX.

TO MISS LUCY FREEMAN.

NEW HAVEN.

I find the ideas of sobriety and domestic solitude I have been
cultivating for three days past somewhat deranged by the interruption of
a visitor, with whom I know you will not be pleased. It is no other than
Major Sanford. I was walking alone in the garden yesterday, when he
suddenly appeared to my view. "How happy am I," said he, seizing my
hand, "in this opportunity of finding you alone--an opportunity, Miss
Wharton, which I must improve in expatiating on a theme that fills my
heart and solely animates my frame!"

I was startled at his impetuosity, and displeased with his freedom.
Withdrawing my hand, I told him that my retirement was sacred. He bowed
submissively; begged pardon for his intrusion; alleged that he found
nobody but the servants in the house; that they informed him I was alone
in the garden--which intelligence was too pleasing for him to consult
any forms of ceremony for the regulation of his conduct. He then went on
rhapsodically to declare his passion; his suspicions that I was forming
a connection with Mr. Boyer, which would effectually destroy all his
hopes of future happiness. He painted the restraint, the confinement,
the embarrassments to which a woman connected with a man of Mr. Boyer's
profession must be subjected, however agreeable his person might be. He
asked if my generous mind could submit to cares and perplexities like
these; whether I could not find greater sources of enjoyment in a more
elevated sphere of life, or share pleasures better suited to my genius
and disposition, even in a single state. I listened to him
involuntarily. My heart did not approve his sentiments; but my ear was
charmed with his rhetoric, and my fancy captivated by his address.

He invited my confidence by the most ardent professions of friendship,
and labored to remove my suspicions by vows of sincerity. I was induced
by his importunity gradually to disclose the state of affairs between
Mr. Boyer and myself. He listened eagerly; wished not, he said, to
influence me unduly; but if I were not otherwise engaged, might he
presume to solicit a place in my friendship and esteem, be admitted to
enjoy my society, to visit me as an acquaintance, and to attend my
excursions and amusements as a brother, if not more? I rep