I said, O, dear Mr. Longman! you make me too rich, and too mody; and yet
I must be a beggar before my time for I shall want often to be
scribbling, (little thinking it would be my only employment so soon,) and
I will beg you, sir, to favour me with some paper; and, as soon as I get
home, I will write you a letter, to thank you for all your kindness to
me; and a letter to good Mrs. Jervis too.
This was lucky; for I should have had none else, but at the pleasure of
my rough-natured governess, as I may call her; but now I can write to
ease my mind, though I can't send it to you; and write what I please, for
she knows not how well I am provided: for good Mr. Longman gave me above
forty sheets of paper, and a dozen pens, and a little phial of ink; which
last I wrapped in paper, and put in my pocket; and some wax and wafers.
O dear sir, said I, you have set me up. How shall I requite you? He
said, By a kiss, my fair mistress: And I gave it very willingly; for he
is a good old man.
Rachel and Hannah cried sadly, when I took my leave; and Jane, who
sometimes used to be a little crossish, and Cicely too, wept sadly, and
said, they would pray for me; but poor Jane, I doubt, will forget that;
for she seldom says her prayers for herself: More's the pity!
Then Arthur the gardener, our Robin the coachman, and Lincolnshire Robin
too, who was to carry me, were very civil; and both had tears in their
eyes; which I thought then very good-natured in Lincolnshire Robin,
because he knew but little of me.
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