Journal of a Young Lady of Virginia, 1782 | Page 5

hair for dinner.
It is a delightful evening. Nancy and myself are going to take a ride out in the Chariot. Oh, my Polly, why are you not here to join us! Away with such thoughts--they almost make me melloncholy. Nancy calls me. Adieu again. I come! I come!
We are returned, and had a delightful ride, and a much more delightful tête-à-tête. This Lee appears to be a hum-drum, disagreeable Creature. Tea is ready, and I must bid you good-by.
October 6.
I wish, my Polly, you could see Mrs. Pinkard. You would be delighted with her. She is, I think, among the finest Women I have seen; and is thought very beautifull.
I have been very agreeably entertained this evening, reading a Novel called Malvern Dale. It is something like Evelina, though not so pretty.
I have a piece of advice to give you, which I have before urged--that is, to read something improving. Books of instruction will be a thousand times more pleasing [after a little while] than all the novels in the World. I own myself, I am too fond of Novel-reading; but, by accustoming myself to reading other Books, I have become less so, and I wish my Polly to do the same.
October 7.
This is Sunday. We have been collected in the Chamber, reading the Lessons of the day. After that, Nancy and myself plann'd a ride out on horseback, which we are just going to put in execution. Adieu. I will resume my pen on my return.
We are returned. I can't say I was much delighted with the ride, as I rode a very hard-going horse. They had dined when we returned.
October 8.
Mr. Newton dined here to-day. I believe you know him, and therefore need not describe him. I have been very busy to-day working a little screne, to hold in my hand to prevent the fire from burning my face. I think it will be beautifull.
I have seated myself in my (w)rapper to scribble a little. Mr. Pinkard has been reading a Play all the evening to Nancy and myself. We were much pleased with it. Nancy grows better and better every day--which I am delighted at. Adieu: sleep has closed my eyes.
October 9.
I was in danger last night of commiting a great piece of rudeness; the Play Mr. Pinkard read us was the Bell Strattagem. Mr. Newton was by when it was read. Some one ask't him sometime afterwards what the Play was. He said the Country Cousin. I thought I should have burst with laughter!
The two Gentlemen went to the Court-house to-day. Molly and myself took a walk this evening, and should have walk't much farther had we not met the Gentlemen. Mr. Newton dismounted and walkt home with us.
October 10.
I have seated myself to give you the adventures of to-day. Mr. C. Washington returned to-day from Fredericksburg. You can't think how rejoiced Hannah was, and how dejected in his absence she always is. You may depend upon it, Polly, this said Matrimony alters us mightely. I am afraid it alienates us from every one else. It is, I fear, the bane of Female Friendship. Let it not be with ours, my Polly, if we should ever Marry. Adieu. Harriet calls me to supper. Once more good-by.
October 11.
Hannah and myself were going to take a long walk this evening, but were prevented by the two horred Mortals, Mr. Pinkard and Mr. Washington, who seized me and kissed me a dozen times in spite of all the resistance I could make. They really think, now they are married, they are prevaliged to do any thing.
October 12.
I am going to tell you a little piece of a secret; but you must never mention it. Nancy had an admirer lately--who do you think it is? No other than Mr. Newton. He got his discard yesterday.
It is in the evening. Nancy and myself have been to visit our little garden [you have frequently heard me speak of it]. We were so unfortunate as to make it on the side of the hill, and it is wash't very much. Do you visit our dear pledge, and think of your Lucy? How often do I think with rapture on the happy hours we spent sitting on the fence, singing and looking at the river with the Moon shining on it. Oh, how beautiful it look't! Adieu.
October 13.
[Sidenote: Pecatone. Residence of Mrs. Turberville.]
I had almost forgot to tell you that to-morrow Mrs. Pinkard, Cousin Molly, and myself go below the ferry to Pecatone, and Mr. Ballendine's. I am very busy getting ready for the trip. Adieu.
It is in the evening. There are two Beaux just come. Mrs. Pinkard tels me I must go out and let her introduce them to me. The first I am acquainted with: he is homely, but a mighty worthy