Jervis. So good night; for it is
late, and I shall be soon called to bed.
I hope Mrs. Jervis is not angry with me. She has not called me to
supper: though I could eat nothing if she had. But I make no doubt I
shall sleep purely to-night, and dream that I am with you, in my dear,
dear, happy loft once more.
So good night again, my dear father and mother, says
Your poor honest DAUGHTER.
Perhaps I mayn't come this week, because I must get up the linen, and
leave in order every thing belonging to my place. So send me a line, if
you can, to let me know if I shall be welcome, by John, who will call for
it as he returns. But say nothing of my coming away to him, as yet: for
it will be said I blab every thing.
LETTER XVII
MY DEAREST DAUGHTER,
Welcome, welcome, ten times welcome shall you be to us; for you come to
us innocent, and happy, and honest; and you are the staff of our old age,
and our comfort. And though we cannot do for you as we would, yet, fear
not, we shall live happily together; and what with my diligent labour,
and your poor mother's spinning, and your needle-work, I make no doubt we
shall do better and better. Only your poor mother's eyes begin to fail
her; though, I bless God, I am as strong and able, and willing to labour
as ever; and, O my dear child! your virtue has made me, I think, stronger
and better than I was before.
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