LETTER XXIX.
Charles to Emilia.
You must not keep the unfortunate young lady who has entered into your service, you must let her go back to comfort her afflicted mother. Emilia is much too tender and humane to bear with the attendance of an equal to gratify herself. You know my mother’s goodness; excuse me, but I must say that your sensibility was ill placed when you promised to conceal the matter from her. She who formed your heart to virtue is better able to advise you than I am. Her liberality will provide for that unfortunate girl some other means of supporting her mother than that of being your waiting maid. Nay, what an honour would it be for my Emilia to do without one, and give her wages to a sick widow. My sister knows well enough how to dress herself, and such a pleasing reflection would render her little troubles sweet. Let the mean spirited Lady Jane glory in having useless servants, Emilia Grandison will find more satisfaction in waiting on herself to be able to do more good. Delay not a moment my dear. Now, without any loss of time, you must mention every circumstance to my mother; how much would it distress you if the girl’s parent was to die without your being able to effect your humane design.
But what surprise do you speak of, in the postscript of your letter? By whom, by what, shall I be surprised? I shall play you a trick for this. However, I remain yours affectionately,