Lucinda Lee Orr

“ She saluted me just as if I had been a common acquaintance, and was not, I thought, at all glad to see me; but I suppose it is fashionable to affect indifference. I hope, my dearest, we shall always stear clear of such unnatural Fashions. She received Nancy in the same [Pg 56] manner; that dear Friend and myself have just returned from a walk in the Garden—the last we shall take for some time, I am afraid.
Dear Mrs. Pinkard sets off this morning, and Cousin Molly goes as far as Peccatone with her.
The arrival of Flora has prevented Nancy from going. ”

“ Cousin Hannah and Hariet take our places this morning in the Chariot. Nancy and myself stay till the evening, and go with Mr. Washington in his Pheyton.
Nancy, Milly, and myself have shut ourselves in a room up stairs, and intend not to go down till summoned to dinner. The Topic of our Conversation is, regretting the manner in which we have spent our past life. It will tend to some good, you will say, if it will make us mend in future. ”

“ I would not have you think from this that I pay no regard to the opinion of the World; far from it: next to that of a good conscience, the opinion of the world is to be regarded. Always pay due regard to that. ”

“ I flatter myself I shall spend this day agreeably. This evening Colonel Ball insisted on our drinking tea with him: we did, and I was much pleased with my visit; his Wife was not at home.
I have returned, and am sitting alone, writing to my dearest Polly. I don't think I ever met with kinder, better People in my life; they do everything [Pg 11] in their Power to make you happy. I have almost determined not to go to the races this Fall: every one appears to be astonished at [me,] but I am sure there is no sollid happiness to be found in such amusements. ”

“ Cousin Molly and Hannah T. have rode to Mr. Ballendine's to bring the other Sister. She is to be married soon to a Mr. Murfey.
The old man being sick that plays [Pg 36] the Fidle, we have diverted ourselves playing grind the bottle and hide the thimble. Our time passed away agreeably enough.
October 18.Miss Nancy Ballendine would not come yesterday. Miss Eliza is still here; and a sweet Girl she is. I wish you could see her: I am sure my Polly would be pleased with her. We have been taking a walk together in the Garden, and talk't of my Polly. ”

“ She always chooses my head-dress, dresses my hair, and is the best Creature in lending you any thing. If you just say you want a thing, if she happens to have it, she will insist on your wearing it. Cousin Hannah has a quantity of Cloaths. She has put on every day since I have been here a different dress of muslin, and all handsome. Adieu, my best beloved. I have but little time to scribble, and that is only when we retire to dress. [Pg 40]
October 24.We were entertained last night in the usual way—dancing. ”

“ I have been takeing a very agreeable walk there. An airing is proposed this morning. We all go in Mr. Turberville's Coach. Adieu: it is at the door. [Pg 34]
I don't know when I've been happier than I am now. Every thing conspires to make me so. Cousin Turberville is so Affectionate. She does every thing in her power to make her Company happy. I had forgot to tell you Cousin Hannah's dress yesterday. ”

“ She is one of the cleverest Women I have seen for some time. I saw there Miss Betty Lee, and A Miss Judy Roberson; the first [Pg 14] is homely, though right agreeable—the latter is, I think, rather clever. You can't conceive anything more nice or genteel than every [thing] was. I never was more pleased in my life. I am summon'd to supper. Adieu, my Polly; may every blessing attend you! Lucy Gordon is here, and has been ever since I came. I like her more and more every day.
Sept. 22.To-day we dine with old Mrs. Gordon. Lucy and myself are going to walk over now ”

“ Ballendine is handsome—more so than either of her Daughters. Mr. Newton came this evening as we were at tea.
October 20.To-day is disagreeable and rainy. The young Ladys have been showing us the wedding-cloaths and some dresses they had from London; very genteel and pretty. Mr. Newton is [Pg 38] still here, and is, I think, a very disagreeable creature. I wonder how Nancy did to bear with him. The young Ladys have been singing for me: they are mighty obliging, and sing whenever they are ask't.
October 21.We have just returned this morning from visiting Mrs. Esquire Lee. ”

“ October 30.To-day is rainy and disagreeable, which will prevent their comeing from Bushfield. I have entertained myself [Pg 45] all day reading Telemachus. It is really delightful, and very improveing. Just as I have seated myself they are come to tell me tea is ready. Farewell.
October 31.Mr. Beal is still here. I assure you I think him very clever. Nancy is not yet come. I am quite lost without her. I have seated myself at Nancy's desk to scribble a little—interrupted already. It is Cousin Molly. She is come to propose dressing Mr. Pinkard in Woman's cloaths. ”

“ The first I am acquainted with: he is homely, but a mighty worthy Man. The second I never saw before—he is tolerably clever. Nancy and myself are going to pore out tea.
October 14.I have but one moment to tell you [Pg 31] that Nancy and myself are in a great hurry dressing. We are afraid we shall not be ready for breakfast, and we set off directly afterwards. This is Sunday. Cousin Washington and Nancy go as far as the Church, and return to Chantilly. Adieu, my dear Polly.
October 15. [A] Nomini. Built by "Counsellor Carter," son of "King Carter." Bushfield. Residence of Mr. ”

“ We scared them a good deal. Milly screamed pretty lustily.
Nov. 11.We have just breakfasted. Mrs. Thomson and the Lelands have just departed. We are going hard to work. Milly is making herself a very pretty cap.
Cousin Molly came to-night; quite wet, as she was caught in a hard rain. We shall sit up very late to-night—I trimming my dress, and the rest makeing caps. I expect to go on Monday to Bushfield, with Milly. Nancy and Molly will go about that time to Miss A. Ballendine's wedding.
Nov. 12.What a surprise, my Polly, have we all had this morning, and a delightful one too. ”

“ Sept. 26.To-day I have spent in putting my [Pg 18] cloaths to rights—a dreadful task, you will say. I am going to take a little airing this evening. Adieu: the horses are at the door.
Sept. 27. Mr. Charles Lee—afterward Attorney-General in Gen. Washington's second Cabinet—married the "Nancy" of the narrative.I was sitting busy at work, when some one told me Mr. Charles Lee was here. He was from Chantilly; and I flew out in expectation of a letter. What do you think I felt, when, instead of a letter, he told me my Nancy was very ill? My Polly, I am sure, will sympathize with me. ”

“ Nov. 2.To-day, Corbin and Hannah go to Blenheim, the seat of Mr. W. Washington. Hariot is going with them.
How much do I want to see my Polly! I hope, by this time, you are almost through your Book.
Nov. 3.To-day the Beaux took their leave. Last night Nancy had a fire made up in one of the up-stairs rooms, and was busily engaged in conversation, when Mr. Pinkard bolted in upon us and overheard part of our conversation—which hily delighted him.
To-morrow, Mrs. Pinkard, Nancy, and myself go to Blenheim. All the Bushfield Family are there. How [Pg 47] often do we wish for our dear Polly! ”

“ Sept. 28.This morning Mr. Lee left us. Every time I see him I like him more and more. He has proved himself a truly good Brother. I am very uneasy with regard to Nancy—I wish to Heaven I could hear from her. [Pg 19]
Sept. 29.Mrs. Graem, Letty Ball, and Harry G—— called here to-day. Mrs. Graem, poor creature, appears much distressed at the death of her Children. When we come to consider, I think it much better for them: but how seldom can a Mother reason in this manner! Cousin Nancy is better, she told me: pray Heaven it may be so.
Richland. Residence of Daniel Brent, Esq.When Mrs. ”