Journal of a Young Lady of Virginia, 1782 | Page 2

walking out. I was delighted: we walked to a river--they call it here; but it is very narrow. The banks of it are beautiful, covered with moss and wild flowers; all that a romantic mind could form. I thought of my Polly, and thought how delighted she would have been had she been a Spectater of the scene; and how much more pleased would your Lucy have been, how more delighted if she could have had her Polly to point out the Beauties too, and make her observations: but her dear Company was denied. Lucy Gordon is a truly good Girl, but nothing of the romance in her. So much the better, say I; she is much happier without. I wish to Heaven I had as little. Colonel Ball dined here to-day: a very clever man.
Sept. 18.
To-day we return Mrs. Spotswood's visit. I have to crape my hair, which, of all things, is the most disagreeable. Adieu, my Polly, till my return.
Well, my dear, I am returned; and much pleased. Mrs. Spotswood is mighty clever in her house. She has a Daughter, about twelve years old (though very large of her age--she is as tall as I am), very agreeable, though not handsome.
They are at cards below, and have sent for me to join them, though I had much rather stay and converse with my Polly; yet politeness obliges my obeying the summons.
Sept. 19.
To-day we dine at Old Mrs. Gordon's: 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 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. I don't think I could answer for myself if you were to go; and then I should only go to be with you. I have no notion of sacrificing my own ease and happiness to the Opinion of the world in these matters. They laugh, and tell me, while I am mopeing at home, other girls will be enjoying themselves at races and balls; but I never will, I am determined, go to one, unless I have an inclination. 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.
Sept. 20.
I have spent this morning in reading Lady Julia Mandeville, and was much affected. Indeed, I think I never cried more in my life reading a Novel: the stile is beautiful, but the tale is horrid. I reckon you have read it. Some one just comes to tell us A Mr. Masenbird and Mr. Spotswood is come. We must go down, but I am affraid both Sister's and my eyes will betray us. Adieu. I will describe the Gentlemen on my return.
Mr. Spotswood is the Gentleman we visited the other day. I think him handsome. Mr. Masenbird is an Englishman, and single, that has settled in this part of the World. I had heard he was a very uncouth creature, but he is quite the reverse--very polite, not handsome.
Interrupted again. They are come to tell me a Mr. Grimes and his Lady are come to wait on us. I must throw aside my pen, and go down to be introduced. Adieu. I will write more when we retire to dress.
[Sidenote: Of the Nicholas family.]
Mrs. Grimes is very handsome, though appears to be a little proud. Sister is almost drest; I shall have but little time to smart myself. Adieu. My Great-Coat shall be my dress to day.
Sept. 21.
To-day we return Mrs. Grimes's visit. I am going to wear my straw dress and my large hat; Sister wears A blue habit, with a white Sattin scirt. Adieu. I have but little time to dress.
I am returned, and was delighted with my visit. They live in a very genteel stile. 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 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