ABSTRACT
About this time, some events took place, which we shall record, though trifling in themselves, because they had a great influence on the future views and fate of our hero. But we must first introduce to the readers’ acquaintance a young lady, with whom they ought long before this to have been intimate. This was no other than the sister of squire Aaron, the accomplished Miss Letitia Forester: for never could there be a greater contrast in personal charms, in goodness of heart, and gentleness of demeanour, than she was to / her haughty brother. She was distinguished for these qualities from infancy, and having been sent, when very young, to a boarding-school at Elizabeth Town, 196 had often visited Berkeley Hall with her school-mates, and attracted old Dr. Homily’s attention by her sweetness of aspect and behaviour; so that he would often take her on his knee, and call her his little favourite, his second Matilda. Young Tim also seemed to have a predilection for her, and on these occasions would present Letitia with the prettiest nosegay and rarest fruits he could collect. These attentions did not lose their effect on her gentle mind; and a very early friendship commenced between them. She was removed, to finish her education at New York; where she remained, without returning into the country, till she was about sixteen; at which time she paid a visit to her friend, Miss Julia Moody, at Elizabeth Town. Our hero happened to be at an assembly there, when he saw a young lady unexpectedly enter, whose / face, shape, and air, appeared more beautiful and attractive than any he had yet contemplated. He felt considerably interested at the first view, but was very strongly and agreeably affected when he found it to be his former little friend, now grown to the full prime and ripeness of personal charms, set off to the greatest advantage by the graces of education and dress. The improved appearance of our hero seemed to impress Letitia with similar surprise; which was observable from the earnestness and confusion discovered by both, on their first approach and interview. Though she was engaged by a Colonel Beekman, as a partner, Tim took every opportunity of conversing with her during the evening; and his particular attention would not have escaped the reprobation of many of the 156hypercritical tabbies, 197 had not their former intimacy in childhood been so well known. Miss Moody, however, on their return home, chid her for permitting Master Tickle to be so intimate and particular. ‘You / must consider, my dear,’ said she, ‘that you are emancipated from a boarding school, and now making your entree on the theatre of life; you cannot, therefore, be too cautious in your connexions.’
