Dancing, in a degree is proffesedly an essential part of a good education as correcting any awkwardness of gestures giving an easy and graceful motion to the body, and I practice early perhaps even in directing its grothe. Modern manners may however have carried the fondness for this accomplishment to an immoderate extreme. a passion for making the best figure in a minuet is vastly beneath the dignity of a woman’s understanding. and I am not sure whether excelling in this particular does not inspire too great a fondness for dissipated pleasures and portionably abate the ardour for more retired virtues. a woman who can sparkle and engage the admiration of every beholder at a birth night or a ball is not always content with the grave office of managing a family or the still and sober innocence of domestic scenes, besides dancing is not at certain moments without its temptations an elegant illuminated room brilliant company the enchanting power of music admiring eyes obsequious beaus attitude are apt to transport the mind a little beyond the rational medium of gentle agitation I would not however be a cynical moralist that would abridge you of any harmless amusement. I have only my apprehensions for your innocence for indeed it is a plant of a very delicate complection and you will then have attained the perfection of your character when you can mix a passion for these elegant accomplishments with a turn for solid and domestic virtue: when you can one night be distinguished at a ball and the next want no other entertainment than what the shade of your family a well chosen book or an agreeable walk are able to afford. I should wish you to be innocent and if possible accomplished at the same time but at any rate I would have you innocent because otherwise you cannot be happy * * * * * MY DEAR LUCY