four. I was disagreeably struck with the appearance of a carriage at the
door, as it raised an idea of company which might frustrate my plan; but
still more disagreeable were my sensations when, on entering the parlor,
I found Major Sanford evidently in a waiting posture. I was very
politely received; and when Eliza entered the room with a brilliance of
appearance and gayety of manner which I had never before connected with
her character, I rose, as did Major Sanford, who offered his hand and
led her to a chair. I forgot to sit down again, but stood transfixed by
the pangs of disappointment. Miss Wharton appeared somewhat confused,
but, soon resuming her vivacity, desired me to be seated, inquired after
my health, and made some commonplace remarks on the weather; then,
apologizing for leaving me, gave her hand again to Major Sanford, who
had previously risen, and reminded her that the time and their
engagements made it necessary to leave the good company; which, indeed,
they both appeared very willing to do. General Richman and lady took
every method in their power to remove my chagrin and atone for the
absence of my fair one; but ill did they succeed. They told me that Miss
Wharton had not the most distant idea of my visiting there this
afternoon, much less of the design of my visit; that for some months
together she had been lately confined by the sickness of Mr. Haly, whom
she attended during the whole of his last illness; which confinement had
eventually increased her desire of indulging her natural disposition for
gayety. She had, however, they said, an excellent heart and reflecting
mind, a great share of sensibility, and a temper peculiarly formed for
the enjoyments of social life. "But this gentleman, madam, who is her
gallant this evening,--is his character unexceptionable? Will a lady of
delicacy associate with an immoral, not to say profligate, man?" "The
rank and fortune of Major Sanford," said Mrs. Richman, "procure him
respect; his specious manners render him acceptable in public company;
but I must own that he is not the person with whom I wish my cousin to