--And when I have done the
same in the first scene of my fears, the once frightful summer-house, I
shall have gone through most of my distressful scenes with gratitude; but
shall never forbear thanking God in my mind, for his goodness to me in
every one. Mrs. Jervis, I find, had whispered him what I had done above,
and he saw me upon my knees, with my back towards him, unknown to me; but
softly put to the door again, as he had opened it a little way. And I
said, not knowing he had seen me, You have some charming pictures here,
sir.--Yes, said he, my dear life, so I have; but none equal to that which
your piety affords me; And may the God you delight to serve, bless more
and more my dear angel!--Sir, said I, you are all goodness!--I hope,
replied he, after your sweet example, I shall be better and better.
Do you think, my dear father and mother, there ever was so happy a
creature as I? To be sure it would be very ungrateful to think with
uneasiness, or any thing but compassion, of poor Miss Sally Godfrey.
He ordered Jonathan to let the evening be passed merrily, but wisely, as
he said, with what every one liked, whether wine or October.
He was pleased afterwards to lead me up stairs, and gave me possession of
my lady's dressing-room and cabinet, and her fine repeating-watch and
equipage; and, in short, of a complete set of diamonds, that were his
good mother's; as also of the two pair of diamond ear-rings, the two
diamond rings, and diamond necklace, he mentioned in his naughty
articles, which her ladyship had intended for presents to Miss Tomlins, a
rich heiress, that was proposed for his wife, when he was just come from
his travels; but which went off, after all was agreed upon on both the
friends' sides, because he approved not her conversation; and she had, as
he told his mother, too masculine an air; and he never could be brought
to see her but once, though the lady liked him very well.
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