The Coquette

The fourth letter of the novel introduces a second perspective—that of Mr. Boyer. Writing to his friend, Mr. Selby, Boyer admits that he has been more attentive to the social world than philosophical pursuits lately. He is smitten with Eliza, and, though he plans to pursue her, he intends to “act upon just and rational principles” (10). He knows of Eliza’s attitude toward her ill-fated betrothal and assesses her of having “an elevated mind, a ready apprehension, and an accurate knowledge of the various subjects which have been brought into view” (11).

Mr. and Mrs. Richman promise Boyer that they will help his cause and engineer a situation where he and Eliza can spend some time together. He anticipates this eagerly.

Eliza reveals that she has been made aware of Boyer’s affections. Speaking with him, she is unsure of her own feelings. She neither wants to encourage him nor to rebuff his advances. In conversation with Mrs. Richman, Eliza says that she does indeed like Mr. Boyer, but she is not yet ready to relinquish  her new-found freedom to again accept the love of a man pressured upon her by her social circle. Mrs. Richman accepts her love of freedom, but she warns her that in excess “a phantom is often pursued, which leaves its deluded votary the real form of wretchedness” (13).