The Coquette

Lucy jokes with Eliza about her previous letter, which contained “a bleeding heart, slighted love, and all the et ceteras of romance” (107). She wonders where Eliza’s strength, independence, and other positive qualities have gone. 

Lucy notes that while Eliza once “figured among the first rate coquettes,” her reason has returned, and she has confessed and repented of her faults (107). She advises her to take Boyer’s advice and “forget all former connections” (108). This will enable her to find another man of honor and live a happy life.

Julia Granby will soon be visiting Eliza.

Julia Granby arrives in Hartford. She immediately works toward lifting Eliza’s spirits. 

Eliza laments that her life has “always been unaccountably wayward” (108). She begins to believe that fate has led her down this road. She is fixated on the memory of Mr. Boyer’s final departure. Even the landscape of the garden reminds her of the day they separated. Eliza hopes that Maria Selby never causes him pain like she did.

Lucy has previously asked Julia Granby to write to her about Eliza’s condition. Julia and Mrs. Wharton are distressed at Eliza’s increasing reclusiveness.