The Coquette

Eliza receives Major Sanford, and the two have a pleasant conversation, but it is one she realizes is designed to lower her guard. Thinking to be rid of the Major, Eliza goes to dinner at the estate of some neighbors—Mr. Laurence, his wife, and daughter—only to find Sanford is in attendance as well. 

Though she remains skeptical of the man, she cannot help but to be attracted to him: his charms, appearance, and status all contrive to “strew the path of life with flowers” (22).

Major Sanford reveals his side of the preceding events. Eliza was correct in thinking that his attentions to her were calculated. However, Sanford’s appearance at Mr. Lawrence’s estate was not a coincidence; he is a friend of the family. 

Sanford affirms that Eliza “would make an excellent wife” but only plans to marry “from a necessity of mending [his] fortune” (23). Otherwise, the rakish major wishes to “keep out of the noose” of matrimony (23). This is the first indication that Sanford’s high social status is at risk due to his lifestyle. Despite this attitude, he declares that he means Eliza no harm—if he can help it.