utation. I called this afternoon to pay you my respects, when, being
informed that you and your lady were abroad, and that Miss Wharton was
in the garden, I took the liberty to invade her retirement. She has
graciously forgiven my crime, and I was just affixing the seal to my
pardon as you entered."

We then returned into the house. Mrs. Richman received us politely.
During tea, the conversation turned on literary subjects, in which I
cannot say that the major bore a very distinguished part. After he was
gone, Mrs. Richman said, "I hope you have been agreeably entertained,
Miss Wharton." "I did not choose my company, madam," said I. "Nor," said
she, "did you refuse it, I presume." "Would you not have me respect the
rights of hospitality towards your guests when you are absent, madam?"
"If you had acted from that motive, I own my obligations to you, my
dear; but even that consideration can hardly reconcile me to the
sacrifice of time which you have made to the amusement of a seducer." "I
hope, madam, you do not think me an object of seduction." "I do not
think you seducible; nor was Richardson's Clarissa till she made herself
the victim by her own indiscretion. Pardon me, Eliza--this is a second
Lovelace. I am alarmed by his artful intrusions. His insinuating
attentions to you are characteristic of the man. Come, I presume you are
not interested to keep his secrets if you know them; will you give me a
little sketch of his conversation?" "Most willingly," said I, and
accordingly related the whole. When I had concluded, she shook her
head, and replied, "Beware, my friend, of his arts. Your own heart is
too sincere to suspect treachery and dissimulation in another; but
suffer not your ear to be charmed by the siren voice of flattery, nor
your eye to be caught by the phantom of gayety and pleasure. Remember
your engagements to Mr. Boyer. Let sincerity and virtue be your guides,
and they will lead you to happiness and peace." She waited not for an
answer, but, immediately rising, begged leave to retire, alleging that
she was fatigued. General Richman accompanied her, and I hastened to my
apartment, where I have written thus far, and shall send it on for your
comments. I begin to think of returning soon to your circle. One
inducement is, that I may be free from the intrusions of this man.
Adieu.

ELIZA WHARTON.

LETTER XX.

TO MRS. M. WHARTON.

NEW HAVEN.

From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging