LETTER XXIII.CharlestoEmilia.
The order and regularity which reigns in this family would surprise you, considering they have but one servant. Mrs. D— sees but little company—a few particular friends, and the society of her children, is all she wishes for. She is always employed; and William reads to her, in the evening, history and books of rational amusement, which she comments on, and frequently repeats his father’s sentiments of the various authors they read, which William treasures up, and often transcribes in a little book, which he has made for that purpose.
He keeps the accounts of the family; and, under the direction of his mother,manages her little property. In the evening, just before bed time, something serious is read, and Mrs. D—, repeating a short but fervent prayer, recommends us to the protection of the Almighty. We rise early, and William and I go on with our former studies till we meet the ladies at breakfast.
Annette has no master but William: he teaches her reading, writing, and arithmetic; drawing she begs as a favour; and we all instruct her in the French and English languages; and you can hardly imagine what a progress she has made.
William’s cheerful diligence excited my admiration; and I could not help mentioning it to him yesterday in terms of praise. How, my friend, said he, is it not my duty to communicate to her the knowledge that my mother has procured for me at a great expence? I am happy that I can by my zeal in thisrespect, prove that I am grateful for her constant kindness; besides, is not the dear girl my sister, and is not her welfare and happiness of the greatest consequence to mine? I find myself richly rewarded for my trouble, when I see her gradually improve; and I think all elder brothers and sisters ought to do the same when their parents are not in affluence.
What do you think I have done, sister? I have given up my regular correspondence with you to William, not that I shall forget to write sometimes, but as I have many letters to write, which I must not neglect, and wish to finish some drawings I have sketched of this place, I cannot write to you in such a circumstantial manner as I wish to do, without depriving myself of the company of my friends. William, you know, has the knack of writing particulars,and he can write to you while I write to my father, Dr. Bartlett, &c. You must answer his letters, and not refuse to write to my best friend, if you love me.
CHARLES.
CHARLES.
CHARLES.
CHARLES.