(seq. 21)

[fol. 2v]

as I imitate your example. My intention is to
devote but little time to society. Great self denial, you
may well imagine, I must exercise, or devote my-
self too much to Esq; W's family. That cordial re-
ception and polite treatment of friends together
with domestic enjoyment which ever dwells
in that household, are irresistable temptations
to one, who consults merely his happiness. I
hope, however, when my friend Williams pays his an-
nual visits there, I shall be able to participate
with him, at least, some of his pleasures.

After our last parting, I returned to the
company, and, presenting your farewell, endeav-
ored as much, as possible after such a loss, to re-
sume sociability. There was soon the addition
of several gentlemen and ladies. But conver-
sation seemed to grow formal, and flag with
the increase of numbers. On my taking leave,
the Esq; followed me to the door, and with the
frankness, which he usually indulges toward with
me, related what had passed between him and
you. He knew, by your [ ] suggestions, that I was
a confident in the affair, and endeavored, I sup-

[fol. 2r]

pose, to obtain informationfrom me too delicate for him
to ask, or for you give. Lest I should do mis-
chief, I avoided telling him even my suspicions
of the matter; supposing that you had hinted
enough for him, at present, to know.

I will not forget to mention a trifling circum-
stance, which may make your smile. On a late visit at
the Esquire's, as I was sitting with Miss E. in the long
entry in a brisk tête à tête, wine being poured
out, I was desired by E. to give a toast. Having an-
ticipated one, with the roguish design of betraying
her into confusion; I instantly whispered into her ear,
May friendship ripen into love. Feeling its force, [ ]
not suspecting the artifice, nor how she s[ ]
betray herself, she as readily drank ditt[ ]
would have been diverted to have seen the various emotions,
she discovered, after a moments pause. [...]

I have proceeded thus far, without a word of my
visit to my A. Last week is almost lost in my calen-
dar by being devoted to her. Every thing, that promises
happiness in a connexion, I find in her. My greatest
concern now is, how I shall make her as happy, as
she deserves. I mean not to rush into the bands of
matrimony; but deliberately to seek a moderate, and
retired situation, where I may aspire to domestic hap-
piness. Wherever I may be, oh! let me be esteemed
your invariable and affectionate,

Φίλος.

P.S. Do tell me, where you intend to pay your next annual visit.
Pray let me see you soon.