LETTER XIV.
William to his Mother.
I thank you, dear mother, for your kind letter; it is so long since you wrote to me, I was almost afraid you were displeased with me. Hear what I do, I always carry your last letter in my bosom, then I can read it often, and remember the lessons you give me. I love dearly my little sister Annette, she is so good, and so dutiful to you. Miss Emilia sends her a fine doll, I am sure it will please her.
Yesterday was the birth-day of Lady Grandison. Charles was up an hour earlier than usual, and when I awoke I found him, for we sleep together, busy, praying to God for his dear mother; we read some chapters in the New Testament, and then Charles dressed himself in his new clothes. You perhaps may wonder at this; but I will tell you how it was. About a month ago Charles and Edward had each a new summer suit, and were allowed to choose the colour themselves. Edward wore his as soon as it came home; but Charles said that he would keep his till some holiday, and this was the holiday he fixed on. He was soon dressed, and we joined Emilia, who stood ready at our chamber door waiting for us.
We hastened to the breakfast parlour. Charles was the first to congratulate his mother on this occasion; Emilia followed him, and gave her a purse, she had privately net: Charles, I forgot to mention, had plucked a nosegay of his finest flowers. I in like manner discharged my duty as well as I could, at least with a sincere heart, for I love my benefactors. Edward came into the room soon after; but he approached Lady Grandison in a careless manner, and seemed to be thinking of something else.
We all received some presents—mine was a microscope, the thing of all others I wished for; how kind it was of Lady Grandison to think of my wishes. You will be pleased with it, and I will instruct Annette, she shall see the wonders I have admired.