Madam, said I, they are the honestest, the lovingest, and the most
conscientious couple breathing. They once lived creditably; and brought
up a great family, of which I am the youngest; but had misfortunes,
through their doing beyond their power for two unhappy brothers, who are
both dead, and whose debts they stood bound for; and so became reduced,
and, by harsh creditors, (where most of the debts were, not of their own
contracting,) turned out of all; and having, without success, tried to
set up a little country-school; (for my father understood a little of
accounts, and wrote a pretty good hand;) forced to take to hard labour;
but honest all the time; contented; never repining; and loving to one
another; and, in the midst of their poverty and disappointments, above
all temptation; and all their fear was, that I should be wicked, and
yield to temptation for the sake of worldly riches and to God's grace,
and their good lessons, and those I imbibed from my dear good lady, your
ladyship's mother, it is that I owe the preservation of my innocence,--
and the happy station I am exalted to.
She was pleased to kiss me again, and said, There is such a noble
simplicity in thy story, such an honest artlessness in thy mind, and such
a sweet humility in thy deportment, notwithstanding thy present station,
that I believe I shall be forced to love thee, whether I will or not: and
the sight of your papers, I dare say, will crown the work; will disarm my
pride, banish my resentment on Lady Betty's account, and justify my
brother's conduct; and, at the same time, redound to your own everlasting
honour, as well as to the credit of our sex: and so I make no doubt but
my brother will let me see them.
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