[From Godey's Lady's Book_, December, 1846 ]

by Eliza Leslie (1787-1858)

Mrs Morland, polished and accomplished woman, widow of distinguished senator from western states, , also, her husband had twice filled the office of governor Her daughter having completed her education best boarding-school in Philadelphia, and her son being about to graduate at Princeton, the mother had planned with her children tour to Niagara lakes, returning by way of Boston On leaving Philadelphia, Mrs Morland delighted Caroline stopped at Princeton present annual commencement, and had the happiness of seeing their beloved Edward receive his diploma as bachelor of arts; after hearing him deliver, with great applause, an oration beauties American character College youths are very prone to treat on subjects that imply great experience world But Edward Morland was full of kind feeling for everything and everybody; views of life had hitherto been tinted with perpetual rose-color

Mrs Morland, not depending altogether celebrity of her late husband, and wishing that her children specimens best society northern cities, had left home with numerous letters of introduction But arrived at New York, she found to her great regret, that having unpacked and taken out her small traveling desk, during her short stay in Philadelphia, she had strangely left it behind closet of her room hotel desk were deposited all her letters, except two which offered to her by friends in Philadelphia The young people, impatient the wonders of Niagara, had entreated her to stay but city of New York, and thought these two letters quite sufficient meantime she wrote back hotel, requesting missing desk forwarded to New York

morning after their arrival great commercial metropolis of America, the Morland family took carriage to ride round principal parts city, and to deliver their two letters houses they were addressed, and which were both situated region that lies upper part of Broadway North River In fashionable streets they found the elegant mansion of Mrs St Leonard; but on stopping door, were informed that its mistress was not at home They then left the introductory letter (which they had prepared mischance, by enclosing it in an envelope with card), and proceeding to another street considerably farther up, they arrived dwelling Watkinson family, mistress the other Philadelphia letter was directed one of large block of houses all exactly alike, and all shut up from top to bottom, according to custom more prevalent in New York than in city

Here they were also unsuccessful; the servant who came door telling them ladies were particularly engaged and no company So they left their second letter and card and drove off, continuing their ride till they reached the Croton water works, which they quitted the carriage and admire On returning hotel, intention after an hour or two of rest out again, and walk till near dinner-time, they found waiting them note from Mrs Watkinson, expressing her regret that she able them called; and explaining that her family duties always obliged her to deny herself the pleasure of receiving morning visitors, her servants had general orders effect But she requested their company evening (naming nine o'clock hour), and particularly desired an immediate answer

"I suppose," said Mrs Morland, "she intends asking some of her friends to meet us, we accept the invitation; and therefore is naturally desirous of reply keep her in suspense Mrs Denham, who volunteered the letter, assured me that Mrs Watkinson was estimable women in New York, and pattern circle she moved It seems that Mr Denham and Mr Watkinson are connected in business Shall we go ? "

The young people assented, saying they had of passing pleasant evening

The billet of acceptance having been written, sent off immediately, entrusted to errand-goers belonging hotel, received in advance next hour dispatch-post--and Edward Morland desired the man into an omnibus note that no time lost in delivering it " but right"--said he mother--"that give Mrs Watkinson an ample opportunity of making her preparations, and sending round to invite her friends "

"How considerate , dear Edward"--said Caroline--"always so thoughtful of 's convenience Your college friends idolized you "

"No"--said Edward--"they called me prig " Just then remarkably handsome carriage drove private door hotel alighted very elegant woman, who in was ushered drawing-room head waiter, and designating Mrs Morland's family, she advanced and gracefully announced herself as Mrs St Leonard the lady at whose house they had left the first letter of introduction She expressed regret at not having been at home called; but said that on finding their letter, she had immediately come down them, and to engage them evening "Tonight"--said Mrs St Leonard--"I expect friends as collect for summer party The occasion recent marriage niece, who with her husband has just returned from their bridal excursion, and soon on their way residence in Baltimore promise you an agreeable evening, as I expect some very delightful people, most happy you acquainted "

Edward and Caroline exchanged glances, and refrain from looking wistfully at their mother, on whose countenance shade of regret was very apparent After short pause she replied to Mrs St Leonard--" truly sorry that just answered affirmative previous invitation very evening "

" indeed disappointed"--said Mrs St Leonard, who looking approvingly prepossessing appearance two young people " no way in revoke your compliance unfortunate first invitation-- , , unfortunate What vexatious contretemps that chanced out called; thus missing the pleasure of seeing you at once, and securing that of your society evening ? The truth is, disappointed in preparations that sent home , and I had myself the things rectified, and was detained away longer than I expected May I ask engaged this evening ? Perhaps the lady-- , tempted and beg you from her "

"The lady is Mrs John Watkinson"--replied Mrs Morland--"most probably she will invite some of her friends to meet us "

"That "--answered Mrs St Leonard--" really very sorry--and that know her at all "

" to abide by our first decision," said Mrs Morland "By Mrs Watkinson, mentioning in her note the hour of nine, it presumed she intends asking some other company possibly disappoint her speak feelingly annoyance (for known it by my own experience) when after inviting number friends to meet some strangers, the strangers have sent an excuse almost eleventh hour no inducements, however strong, could tempt me myself "

"I confess that perfectly right," said Mrs St Leonard " go to Mrs Watkinson But not divide the evening, by passing part of it with her and then finishing with me ? "

suggestion the eyes young people sparkled, for they had become delighted with Mrs St Leonard, and imagined that party at her house every way charming Also, parties were novelties to both

"If possible ," answered Mrs Morland, "and with what pleasure not assure you We leave New York to-morrow, but return in September, and will then be exceedingly happy more of Mrs St Leonard "

After little more conversation Mrs St Leonard took her leave, repeating her hope of still seeing her new friends at her house that night; and enjoining them to let her know they returned to New York on their way home

Edward Morland handed her to her carriage, and then joined his mother and sister in their commendations of Mrs St Leonard, with whose exceeding beauty were united countenance beaming with intelligence, and manner that put at their ease immediately

" an evidence," said Edward, "how superior our women of fashion are of Europe "

"Wait, my dear son," said Mrs Morland, "till in Europe, and had an opportunity of forming an opinion point (as on many others) from actual observation part, I believe that in all civilized countries the upper classes of people are alike, in their leading characteristics "

"Ah ! here comes the man that was sent to Mrs Watkinson," said Caroline Morland " find the house and has brought the note back then at first to Mrs St Leonard's, and pass the whole evening there "

The man reported that he had found the house, and had delivered the note into Mrs Watkinson's own hands, as she chanced crossing the entry door was opened; she read it immediately, and said " "

" certain that no mistake house," said Edward, " you really did give it to Mrs Watkinson ? "