he ought to be banished from all virtuous society. I should have
intimated this to you before; but your precipitate acceptance of his
invitation deprived me of an opportunity until it was too late to
prevent your going with him; and we thought it best to protract your
enjoyment as long as possible, not doubting but your virtue and delicacy
would, in future, guard you against the like deception."

"Must I, then, become an avowed prude at once, and refuse him admission
if he call in compliance with the customary forms?" "By no means. I am
sensible that even the false maxims of the world must be complied with
in a degree. But a man of Major Sanford's art can easily distinguish
between a forbidding and an encouraging reception. The former may, in
this case, be given without any breach of the rules of politeness."
Astonished and mortified, I knew not what further to say. I had been so
pleased with the man that I wished to plead in his favor; but virtue and
prudence forbade. I therefore rose and retired. He is this moment, I am
told, below stairs; so that I must bid you adieu until the next post.

ELIZA WHARTON.


LETTER X.

TO THE SAME.

NEW HAVEN.

Upon closing my last, I walked down, and found Major Sanford alone. He
met me at the door of the parlor, and, taking my hand with an air of
affectionate tenderness, led me to a seat, and took one beside me. I