he. "You intimate that my company is not agreeable to them; but I know
not why. Surely my rank in life is as elevated, and my knowledge of and
acceptance in the world are as extensive, as General Richman's." "I
hope," said I, "since we are engaged in the conversation, that you will
excuse my frankness if I tell you that the understanding and virtue of
this worthy couple induce them, without any regard to rank, to bestow
their esteem wherever it is merited. I cannot say that you are not a
sharer. Your own heart can best determine whether upon their principles
you are or not." He appeared mortified and chagrined; and we had walked
some distance without exchanging a word or a look. At last he rejoined,
"I plead guilty to the charge, madam, which they have undoubtedly
brought against me, of imprudence and folly in many particulars; yet of
malignancy and vice I am innocent. Brought up in affluence, inured from
my infancy to the gratification of every passion, the indulgence of
every wish, it is not strange that a life of dissipation and gayety
should prove alluring to a youthful mind which had no care but to
procure what is deemed enjoyment. In this pursuit I have, perhaps,
deviated from the rigid rules of discretion and the harsher laws of
morality. But let the veil of charity be drawn over my faults; let the
eye of candor impartially examine my present behavior; let the kind and
lenient hand of friendship assist in directing my future steps; and
perhaps I may not prove unworthy of associating with the respectable
inhabitants of this happy mansion; for such I am sure it must be while
honored with Miss Wharton's presence. But, circumstanced as you and I
are at present, I will not sue for your attention as a lover, but rest
contented, if possible, with that share of kindness and regard which
your benevolence may afford me as a friend." I bowed in approbation of
his resolution. He pressed my hand with ardor to his lips; and at that
instant General Richman entered the garden. He approached us cheerfully,
offered Major Sanford his hand with apparent cordiality, and told us