Journal of a Young Lady of Virginia, 1782 | Page 9

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 have, for the first time in my life, just read Pope's Eloiza. Just now I saw it laying in the Window. I had heard my Polly extol it frequently, and curiosity lead me to read it. I will give you my opinion of it: the poetry I think beautiful, but do not like some of the sentiments. Some of Eloiza's is too Ammorous for a female, I think.
We set off this evening for Chantilly--but the Pheyton wheel broke, and we were obliged to turn back. Old Mrs. Washington has promised her Carriage to us to go in the morning.
Nov. 6.
Chantilly. We sat off early in the morning, and we reached here this morning before breakfast. I found Mama's Jem here. How delighted I am to hear of the Health of all my Friends above. He could not give me any information about you, except that he believes you are very well, which I am very much pleased to hear.
Aunt Lee has been very sick for several days with a violent toothache.
Nov. 7.
[Sidenote: Berry Hill. A country-seat of Thomas L. Lee.]
This is a delightful evening, my dear. Nancy and myself have just returned from a delightfull walk to the river. On our return we two loll'd on the Sopha. I shall go up to Berry Hill directly the Pheyton is mended. Mr. Washington is to carry me.
Nov. 8.
To-day Old Mrs. Washington and Milly came. Nancy and myself have been dressing for dinner. N. looks handsomer to-day than I have seen her since I came. Adieu. I have not another moment to scribble.
Milly and myself took a walk to-night by moonlight. She knows you, she says, and thinks you beautifull.
We are going to join Nancy and Mr. Washington in the dineing-room. Adieu, my beloved.
Nov. 9.
Mrs. Thomson, Mrs. Leland, and a Miss Leland are all just come, and unexpectedly too. I never saw the two last before. The first is a very clever old Lady, the latter very homely indeed. We are all going to dress. Adieu.
Dinner is just over. Harry, the Fiddler, is sent for, and we are going to dance. I had forgot to tell, Mr. Spotswood came to-day. You can't conceive how angry Milly was. I soon got from her that he had promised never to trouble her again on the Subject, and she was displeased at his following her. Adieu--Harriet insists on my going out. She says the fiddle is come. Farewell, my love; may Heaven shower blessings on your head, prays your Lucinda. I always forget to make use of our other name.
Nov. 10.
[Sidenote: Menokin. Residence of Francis L. Lee.]
To-day Old Mrs. W. goes to Bushfield, and leaves Milly behind. I have promised to go with Milly when she goes, if I don't go up before that time. Hannah and Corbin go with the Old Lady to-day. Cousin Molly and Mr. Pinkard go to Menoken to-day.
Mr. Spotswood took his leave this evening; which Milly rejoiced at.
Nancy sleeps up stairs to-night with her Sister Pinkard. Milly, Miss Leland, and myself have the nurcery to ourselves. We want Nancy very much, but she is obliged to sleep up stairs.
I had forgot to tell you, the second night at Blenheim, Milly, Nancy, and myself had a room to ourselves, and tried the salt and egg; but neither of us dreamt.
I have undrest myself, and Sibby is going to comb my hair. Milly and Miss Leland are gone in the Garden. I propose to Sibby to go and frighten them: she agrees, and we are going to put it in execution.
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. Before we were out of bed a servant from Mr. Macarty's came to let us know Aunt Fendall is arrived, and at Mr. Macarty's. We are all invited to dine there to-day. I am delighted at the thought of seeing Flora before I go up. The Pheyton is mended, and I shall set off in a day or two.
[Sidenote: McCartys,