This is the first day I have missed Church. _Monday 20._ Rose at half after Seven; the Morning extremely cold--We had in School to Day as visitors Miss Betsy, and Miss Matilda Lee[101] Mr Carter gave me for his Daughter Nancy to Read, the "Compleat Letter-writer"-- Also he put into my hands for the use of the School, "the British-Grammar." [101] Matilda Lee was the daughter of Philip Ludwell Lee of "Stratford." She later married "Light Horse Harry" Lee. _Teusday 21._ Rose by Half after seven--the weather serene but sharp and cold.--To day, before Dinner called in and stayed a short time Mr _Blain_ and Mr _Lee_ who were going to one Mr Lanes[102] to a _Christning_, which I understand is one of the chief times for Diversion here--Miss _Carter_, this afternoon told me that her Mama thought of giving a small _Ball_ at the approaching Christmas for select friends. [102] One Joseph Lane was a prominent planter in Westmoreland County at this time. [PHILIP V. FITHIAN TO ELIZABETH BEATTY] Nominy-Hall Virginia. Decem: 21. 1773. TO LAURA. If these shall be so fortunate, as to come to your Hands, I beg leave to acquaint you that I am as agreeably settled as I can possibly be when so remote from the chief object of my Esteem on Earth--And, that I am, & have been, since I left Home, through the Kindness of Heaven, in good Health. You will be surprized if I tell you that I should have been now in Cohansie, had I never seen you, or had you been less uncertain of your future Purpose! That you may not be wholly without a Reason for what I say, I must tell you, that in your Absence last Summer I found it difficult to restrain myself from Writing frequently to you; And after I was compell'd, tho' unwilling, to believe that you would grant me no Return; lest I should be troublesome or impertinent, when I had an advantageous Offer from the Gentleman with whom I now reside, I determined to leave Home a few Months. So far I have jested--But to be serious, Laura, I hope to see you in the Spring as I propose to be at Home by the Beginning of May--Perhaps the fine Air; the sprightly Conversation; the sociable Balls; & various Pleasures so common here, will have made so very a "Coxcomb" of musty Philander, that you will blush to confess you ever knew him! Be not hasty to judge--Possibly, on the other Hand, Laura; even Laura, may appear so dull & unfashionable that Philander tho' a Coxcomb will look down & despise her--No Laura, for tho, we have fine Ladies; Gay Fellows, charming Music; rich & I may say luxurious Entertainment; to all which I am almost every Week strongly invited; Yet I find greater Pleasure at Home, where I have every genteel Accomodation I could wish, and a Family of lovely Children to instruct--You would envy me if I was able to tell you how kind, obedient, & beautiful the Children are which I teach!--I have three Boys the youngest of which is about the Age &