The Coquette

Eliza is quickly becoming her old, cheerful self, but in a more sober manner. Julia worries that Eliza will swing back into her old ways. She indicates that Eliza shows “indications of a mind not perfectly right” but hopes that soon her “passions will vibrate with regularity” (121). 

Julia notes that she disliked Major Sanford at first sight. She is astonished that Eliza, as intelligent as she is, was duped by his false charms. She hears that his wife is “agreeable” and hopes that Sanford will be the same for her, but she doubts it. 

While out walking, Eliza and Julia happen upon Major Sanford and Nancy Sanford. Sanford takes the opportunity of introducing Nancy to Eliza. Sanford invites them for tea, but Eliza and Julia decline. Julia notices that the major’s eyes are fixed on Eliza the whole time. She decides to “discourage Eliza from associating with him under any pretext whatsoever” (121).

Eliza rejects further invitations from Major Sanford, until, one night, she and Julia decide to go to dine at his house. Major Sanford and Nancy attempt to lighten Eliza’s mood. After dinner, they have a ball. Sanford contrives to dance with Eliza, who accepts, not wishing to appear resentful.

Sanford asks Eliza to be friends with Nancy. Eliza laments that she is not the happy spirit she once was.

Julia thinks Sanford is too attentive to Eliza, noting that “the world would make unfavorable remarks upon any appearance of intimacy between them” (123). Eliza shrugs this off; Sanford is married, and thus “he can have no temptation to injure” her (123). She sees no harm in at least becoming friends with Nancy.

Major Sanford is relieved that he has mended things with Eliza, and he believes that “this atones for all past offences, and procures absolution for many others yet to be committed” (124). He notes, however, the sad change in Eliza’s behavior. Her indifference mortifies him.

Society thinks Sanford is reformed, but that is impossible with Eliza in the vicinity. Nancy begins to become jealous. He tells her that he would have married Eliza, if she had any wealth. This hurts Nancy deeply. To Sanford, the “name of wife becomes more and more distasteful” each day (126).

Eliza finds herself unable to go to Boston as she and Julia intended. She thinks her melancholy mood will lift quicker if she remains in Hartford. 

She notes the progression of friendship between she and the Sanfords. Major Sanford now treats her like a brother, and Nancy treats Eliza like a sister. Eliza thinks Sanford’s former passion as a lover has been “intirely [sic] obliterated” (127). 

Eliza worries that her gloom may be tiresome for her friends.

Julia laments that she was unable to entice Eliza into going with her to Boston. She and Mrs. Wharton are alarmed at the way Eliza and Sanford are getting along; she thinks that Eliza is “flattered into the belief that his attention to her is purely the result of friendship and benevolence” (128). 

Sanford now comes to call almost every day. Mrs. Wharton dreads him and tries her best to avoid him. 

Julia surprises Eliza and Sanford in intimate conversation. Sanford promptly leaves. Julia warns Eliza that this “indicates a revival of his former sentiments” (128). After taking tea with neighbors, among whom Nancy Sanford is not present, Julia observes Sanford Kissing Eliza’s hand before departing. Julia uses this as an opportunity to warn Eliza, yet again, of the danger he poses. His behavior as of late has not been appropriate for a married man. He seeks Eliza’s company to fulfil “a baser passion” (130). Julia eventually convinces her to avoid the major’s company. 

Julia goes to visit Mrs. Sanford, who regrets that Julia is leaving. Nancy reveals that she was not invited to tea yesterday. This confirms for Julia that Sanford only went to see Eliza. Later, Julia and Mrs. Wharton relate this to Eliza. She is, for once, unable to justify Sanford’s crude behavior, though “she looked as if she wished it in her power” (131).

Lucy, like Julia, does not approve of Sanford’s behavior toward Eliza, and believes he “ought to be banished from all virtuous society” (132). Lucy expounds on his character and actions in order to convince Eliza that he should be avoided. She warns Eliza that his flattery is “derogatory to [her] virtue” (133). She advises Eliza to be more like Julia.

Lucy invites Eliza to visit her in winter.