The Coquette | Page 8

left several pages back,
in order to introduce a quotation from a volume of singular power in
behalf of those thus gifted, who are every where looked upon with
some degree of suspicion at least, as I find our heroine was even long
before she wandered from the path of virtue. I quote it only to soften
the harsher judgment of the world, ever eager to condemn what it
cannot comprehend; yet must it by no means be made to apologize for
any sin.
While I am willing to be known as believing that genius can be
governed by no conventional laws, but is ever a law unto itself, I am
also in the full belief of the independent moral power of every
individual to regulate his own acts according to the purest code of
morality. But to the quotation, which, with the above remarks, the
reader would find pertinent to time and place had he turned over the
historical pages having a bearing on this romance which I have.

"The strong seductions and fierce trials of the heart of genius who shall
estimate? * * * What does an ordinary mind know of the inner storm
and whirlwind, as it were, of restlessness; the craving after excitement
and high action; the inability to calm the breast and repose in fixity; the
wild beatings and widowed longings after sympathy? * * * It is the
severe lot of genius that its blessedness should be its bane; that that
wherein its heavenly franchise gives it to excel mankind is the point
wherein it should be cursed above its brethren!"
More I might quote; but these few extracts are sufficient for my
purpose; and I hasten to conclude this chapter with what may to the
general reader appear more relevant.
* * * * *
Not many years ago the Bell Tavern, as it was ever named, was razed
to its foundation, and a new building erected on the spot where it stood.
At this time a pleasant _jeu d'esprit_ from the humorous and ready
pen--which has failed not to make its mark in the world--of Fitch Poole,
Esq., of Danvers, was published, which gained a wide credence in its
authenticity. This curious witticism affected to have discovered in the
wall of the room which "Eliza Wharton" occupied an original letter
from her to Mr. Edwards, dated May, 1778, besides various articles of
her wearing apparel, such as slippers, &c., and also her guitar, all of
which had been concealed in the ceiling since the sad close of her
history. Numbers flocked to see them; but, as it was a mere pleasantry,
the hoax was well received, and ended in the neighborhood of Danvers
with the privileged "April fool's day" of its date, although it may even
yet have believers in distant places.
Thus, kind reader, have I accomplished the task assigned me with
fidelity to truth and to humanity, and here lay the offering on the altar
of universal love without excuse.
JANE E. LOCKE.
BOSTON, 1854.

NOTE.--For important facts which have greatly aided me in preparing
this prefatory chapter I am much indebted, as I would here gratefully
acknowledge, to Ezekiel White, Esq., of Easthampton, and Mrs. H.V.
Cheney, of Montreal.
J.E.L.
[Footnote A: John Whitman, whose father was brother to the
grandfather of "Eliza Wharton," married a daughter of Rev. Mr. Foster,
of Stafford, Connecticut, who afterwards settled in Stow,
Massachusetts, and who was father of Rev. John Foster, of Brighton,
Massachusetts, the husband of the author of this book.]

THE COQUETTE; OR, THE HISTORY OF ELIZA WHARTON.

LETTER I.
TO MISS LUCY FREEMAN.
NEW HAVEN
An unusual sensation possesses my breast--a sensation which I once
thought could never pervade it on any occasion whatever. It is pleasure,
pleasure, my dear Lucy, on leaving my paternal roof. Could you have
believed that the darling child of an indulgent and dearly-beloved
mother would feel a gleam of joy at leaving her? But so it is. The
melancholy, the gloom, the condolence which surrounded me for a
month after the death of Mr. Haly had depressed my spirits, and palled
every enjoyment of life. Mr. Haly was a man of worth--a man of real
and substantial merit. He is, therefore, deeply and justly regretted by
his friends. He was chosen to be a future guardian and companion for
me, and was, therefore, beloved by mine. As their choice, as a good
man, and a faithful friend, I esteemed him; but no one acquainted with
the disparity of our tempers and dispositions, our views and designs,
can suppose my heart much engaged in the alliance. Both nature and
education had instilled into my mind an implicit obedience to the will
and desires of my parents. To them, of course, I sacrificed my