"One week ago I had a letter from Willie, enclosing another to her, and
an entreaty, as he had written one which he was sure had miscarried,
that I would see that this reached her hands in safety. So anxious was I
to fulfil his request in its word and its spirit, and so certain that I
could further his cause,--for I was sure this letter was a
love-letter,--that I did not forward it by post, but, being compelled
to come to Burlington, I determined to go on to Philadelphia, drive out
to her home, and myself deliver the missive into her very hands. A most
fortunate conclusion, as you will presently decide.
"Last evening I reached the city,--rested, slept here,--and this morning
was driven to her father's place. For all our sakes, I was somewhat
anxious, under the circumstances, that this should be quite the thing;
and I confess myself, on the instant of its sight, more than satisfied.
It is really superb!--the grounds extensive, and laid out with the most
absolute taste. The house, large and substantial, looks very like an
English mansion; with a certain quaint style and antique elegance,
refreshing to contemplate, after the crude newness and ostentatious
vulgarity of almost everything one sees here in America. It is within as
it is without. Although a great many lovely things are scattered about
of recent make, the wood-work and the heavy furniture are aristocratic
from their very age, and in their way, literally perfection.
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