LETTER VI.CharlestoWilliam.

I am so happy, my dear William, I can scarcely tell you what has made me so. I am out of breath with joy; you are to come, with your dear mother, to live always in England. My kind parent communicated the joyful tidings to me, and added, that she had prevailed on Mrs. D— to approve of her plan. Never, never, was I more agreeably surprised; but I will tell you all in a circumstantial manner, when I have taken breath, for my heart beats violently.—Well, I am now more composed. After breakfast, this morning, my mother desired me to make an excuse to Dr. Bartlett, and follow her into the garden, when I joined her. I will give you our conversation in the usual way.

LADY GRANDISON.

We consented you know, Charles, to let you spend next winter, and part of the spring, with your friend William; but some particular reason obliges us to change our minds, and I doubt not you will chearfully acquiesce in our determination.

CHARLES.

Yes, for I know you must have a sufficient reason for altering your mind.

LADY GRANDISON.

But perhaps the disappointment will make you very unhappy?

CHARLES.

You have taught me to be sincere. I acknowledge I am disappointed, and cannot in a moment forget it; I have promised myself so much pleasure, and William and I had formed so manyplans: I have so long thought of visiting Holland, that I really long to see it. But do not be angry, the pleasure of obeying you and my father will outweigh every other consideration. I shall not have to part with you all, and I have often thought with pain of the time when I should leave you—when the sea would divide us.

LADY GRANDISON.

The sea will not divide us; but you are to leave us for some time to visit our estate in C——, and to make some necessary alterations there in your father’s name.

CHARLES.

I shall endeavour to do the best, and hope you will have no reason to complain of your young steward.

LADY GRANDISON.

I expected an answer like this; but the farm house you will inhabit, is situated almost in a desart; you will have few companions, and no amusements, except the pleasure of relieving the poor. We wish you to experience, that the consciousness of being useful is the truest pleasure; we can do without company when we have peace in our minds. I find pleasure every where, for every where I find something to do.

CHARLES.

Reading and music will be my chief amusements; yet I shall want you, I shall want my father and William; but I shall write to you often, and surely you will answer all my letters.—Yes, I shall be happy—send me away as soon as you please. Here I paused a little, and was thoughtful, but I do not knowwhat I thought of, tears rushed involuntarily into my eyes—my mother observed it.

LADY GRANDISON.

Why, Charles, do you hide any thing from me? speak, you are sorrowful, open your heart to your mother.

CHARLES.

Forgive my weakness, dear Madam, I am ashamed of it. Let me soon set out for the farm, I will not shed a tear I promise you, and you shall see what chearful letters I will write.

LADY GRANDISON.

You are the child of my heart; your submission to your earthly parents proves to me, that you will in future resign yourself to the will of your heavenly father, who never afflicts his children but to improve them. But your trial atthis time will not be so severe as you imagine; I will fully explain myself; I did not at first speak explicitly that I might receive this proof of your submission to our will. You are first to accompany Dr. Bartlett on a visit to his relations; and from thence go to the farm for a short time, where you will find ample employment, in visiting and assisting the poor. She paused a moment for my answer, and then went on; but what think you, Charles, if Mrs. D—, your friend William, and little Annette, were to come and reside in England? (I listened with all my ears, and she proceeded) see here is a letter from Mrs. D—, in which you will find, that the proposal gave her great pleasure. We are to prepare a house for her, and, as you say you long to see Holland, it is now our design to let you take a trip there, to conduct your friend and his mother to your native country, where itwill be our study to make their situation comfortable. What say you, Charles?

I don’t know what I said, William, I was almost wild with joy. And now I have told you all, I will run again and thank those dear parents; indeed, I feel quite restless, I cannot sit still. In two months we shall meet. Farewell,

CHARLES.

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