girl. But these worthy and piously turned young gentlemen, who have but just quitted the college, are mere novices as to the world. Indeed they are above it, while in it; they therefore give themselves little trouble to study it; and so, depending on the goodness of their own hearts, are more liable to be imposed upon than people of half their understanding. I think, since he seems to love her, you do right not to hinder the girl's fortune. But I wish she may take your advice, in her behaviour to him, at least; for as to her carriage to her neighbours, I doubt she'll be one of the heads of the parish, presently, in her own estimation. 'Tis pity, methinks, any worthy man of the cloth should have a wife who, by her bad example, should pull down, as fast as he, by a good one, can build up. This is not the case of Mrs. Peters, however; whose example I wish was more generally followed by gentlewomen who are made so by marrying good clergymen, if they were not so before. Don't be surprised, if you should hear that poor Jewkes is given over! She made a very exemplary-full of blessings—and more easy and resigned than I apprehended she would be. I know you'll shed a tear for the poor woman:-I can't help it myself. But you will be pleased that she had so much time given her, and made so good use of it. Mr. Peters has been everything that one would wish one of his function to be, in his attendances and advice to the poor woman. Mr. Longman will take proper care of everything. So I will only add that I am, with the sincerest respects, in hopes to see you soon (for I have a multitude of things to talk to you about), dear Mrs. B——, Your ever faithful and affectionate POLLY DARNFORD. LETTER LXXXV. Mrs. B to Lady Davers. MY DEAR LADY DAVERS, I understand from Miss Darnford, that before she went down from us, her papa had encouraged a proposal made by Sir W. G, whom you saw when your ladyship was a kind visitor in Bedfordshire. We all agreed, if your ladyship remembers, that he was a polite and sensible gentleman, and I find it is countenanced on all hands. Poor Mrs. Jewkes, madam, as miss informs me, has paid her last debt. I hope through mercy she is happy! Poor, poor woman! But why say I so!-Since, in that case, she will be richer than an earthly monarch! Your ladyship was once mentioning a sister of Mrs. Worden, whom you could be glad to recommend to some worthy family.—Shall I beg of you, madam, to oblige Mr. B's in this particular? I am sure she must have merit, if your ladyship thinks well of her; and your commands in this as well as in every other particular in my power, shall have their due weight with LETTER LXXXVI. Lady Davers to Mrs. B. [In answer to the preceding.] MY DEAR PAMELA, I am glad Miss Darnford is likely to be so happy in a husband, as Sir W. G-will certainly make her. I was afraid that the proposal I made would not do with her, had she not had so good a tender. I want too to have the foolish fellow married-for several reasons; one of which is, he is continually teasing us to permit him to go up to town, and to reside there for some months, in order that he may see the world, as he calls it. But we are convinced he would feel it as well as see it, if we gave way to his request for in understanding, dress, and inconsiderate vanity, he is so exactly cut out and sized for a town fop, coxcomb, or pretty fellow, that he will undoubtedly fall into all the vices of those people; and perhaps, having such expectations as he has, will be made the property of rakes and sharpers. He complains that we use him like a child in a go-cart, or a baby with leading-strings, and that he must not be trusted out of our sight. 'Tis a sad thing that these bodies will grow up to the stature of men, when the minds improve not at all with them, but are still those of boys and children. Yet he would certainly make a fond husband; for at present he has no very bad qualities. But is such a Narcissus! But this between ourselves, for his uncle is wrapt up in the fellow-And why? Because he is goodhumoured, that's all. He has vexed me lately, which makes me write so angrily about him-but 'tis not worth troubling you with the particulars. I hope Mrs. Jewkes is happy, as you say-Poor woman! she seemed to promise for a longer life! But what shall we say? Your compliment to me about my Beck's sister is a very kind one. I am greatly obliged to you for it. Mrs. Old ham is a sober, grave widow, a little aforehand in the world, but not much; has lived well; understands household management thoroughly; is diligent, and has a turn to serious things, which will make you like her the better. I'll order Beck and her to wait on you, and she will satisfy you in everything as to what you may, or may not expect of her. You can't think how kindly I take this motion from you. You forget nothing that can oblige your friends. Little did I think you would remember me of (what I had forgotten in a manner), my favourable opinion and wishes for her, expressed so long ago-But you are what you are-a dear, obliging creature. Beck is all joy and gratitude upon it; and her sister had rather serve you than the princess. You need be under no difficulties about terms: she would serve you for nothing, if you would accept of her service. much, that Miss It will be happy dutiful to you, as I am glad, because it pleases you so Goodwin will be soon put into your care. for the child; and I hope she will be so to give you no pain for your generous goodness to her. Her mamma has sent me a present of some choice products of that climate, with acknowledgments of my kindness to miss. I will send part of it to you by your new servant; for so I presume to call her already. What a naughty sister are you, however, to be so far advanced again, as to be obliged to shorten your intended excursions, and yet not to send me word of it yourself! Don't you know how much I interest myself in everything that makes for my brother's happiness and yours?-More especially in so material a point as is the increase of a family, that it is my boast to be sprung from.-Yet I must find this out by accident, and by other hands!—Is not this very slighting?-But never do so again, and I'll forgive you now, because of the joy it gives me who am Your truly affectionate and obliged sister, B. DAVERS. I thank you for your book upon the plays you saw. Enclosed is a list of some others, which I desire you to read, and to oblige me with your remarks upon them at your leisure; though you may not perhaps have seen them by the time you will favour me with your observations. LETTER LXXXVII. Mrs. B to Lady Davers. MY DEAR LADY DAVERS,-I have a valuable present made me by the same lady: and therefore hope you will not take it amiss, that, with abundance of thanks, I return yours by Mrs. Worden: whose sister I much approve of, and thank your ladyship for your kind recommendation of so worthy a person. We begin with so much good liking to one another, that I doubt not we shall be very happy together. A moving letter, much more valuable to me than the handsome present, was put into my hands at the same time with that; of which the following is a copy: Mrs. Wrightson (formerly Miss Sally Godfrey) to 'HAPPY, DESERVEDLY HAPPY, DEAR LADY!- Permit 'these lines to kiss your hands from one, who, though she 'is a stranger to your person, is not so to your character: "That has reached us here, in this remote part of the world, 'where you have as many admirers as have heard of you. 'But I more particularly am bound to be so, by an obligation which I can never discharge, but by my daily prayers 'for you, and the blessings I continually implore upon you ' and yours. 6 |