The evenings grow long, but they are only the more jovial; I love the pleasures of the table, not for their own sakes, for no man is more indifferent on this subject; but because they promote social, convivial joy, and bring people together in good humor with themselves and each other.
My Emily’s suppers are enchanting; but our little income obliges us to have few: if I was rich, this would be my principal extravagance.
To fill up my measure of content, Emily is pleased with my retirement, and finds all her happiness in my affection.
We are so little alone, that I find our moments of unreserved conversation too short; whenever I leave her, I recollect a thousand things I had to say, a thousand new ideas to communicate, and am impatient for the hour of seeing again, without restraint, the most amiable and pleasing of woman-kind.
My happiness would be complete, if I did not sometimes see a cloud of anxiety on that dear countenance, which, however, is dissipated the moment my eyes meet hers.
I am going to Temple’s, and the chaise is at the door.
Adieu! my dear friend!
Your affectionate
Ed. Rivers.
LETTER CCXII.216.
To Colonel Rivers.
Nov. 14.