When you get as far as choosing partners, there’s a word I want to say
to you, though, as you’re a pretty good dispositioned boy, maybe there’s
no need; still you may not always think, so ’twill do no harm to say it.
There are always some girls that don’t dance quite so well, or don’t
look quite so well, or don’t dress quite so well, or are not liked quite
so well, or are not quite so much acquainted. Now I don’t want you to
all the time, but sometimes, say once in an evening, I want you to pick
out one of these for your partner. I know ’t isn’t the way boys do. But
you can. Suppose you don’t have a good time that one dance. You weren’t
sent into the world to have a good time every minute of your life! How
would you like to sit still all the evening? I’ve been spectator at such
times, and I’ve seen how things go on! Why, if boys would be more
thoughtful, every girl might have a good time, besides doing the boys
good to think of something besides their own comfort. If I were you I
wouldn’t try to make fun, but try to learn, for though your father was
willing you should go, and wants to do everything he can for you, he has
to work hard for his money. Lucy Maria is waiting to hear how you get
on.