I am to return these visits singly; and there were eight ladies here of
different families. Dear heart! I shall find enough to do!--I doubt
my time will not be so well filled up, as I once promised my dear
master!--But he is pleased, cheerful, kind, affectionate! O what a happy
creature am I!--May I be always thankful to God, and grateful to him!
When all these tumultuous visitings are over, I shall have my mind, I
hope, subside into a family calm, that I may make myself a little useful
to the household of my dear master; or else I shall be an unprofitable
servant indeed! Lady Davers sent this morning her compliments to us both, very
affectionately; and her lord's good wishes and congratulations: and she
desired my writings per bearer; and says, she will herself bring them
to me again, with thanks, as soon as she has read them; and she and her
lord will come and be my guests (that was her particularly kind word)
for a fortnight. I have now but one thing to wish for; and then, methinks, I shall be all
ecstasy: and that is, your presence, both of you, and your blessings;
which I hope you will bestow upon me every morning and night, till you
are settled in the happy manner my dear Mr. B---- has intended.
Methinks I want sadly your list of the honest and worthy poor; for the
money lies by me, and brings me no interest. You see I am become a mere
usurer; and want to make use upon use: and yet, when I have done all, I
cannot do so much as I ought. God forgive my imperfections!
I tell my dear spouse, I want another dairy-house visit. To be sure, if
he won't, at present, permit it, I shall, if it please God to spare us,
tease him like any over-indulged wife, if, as the dear charmer grows
older, he won't let me have the pleasure of forming her tender mind, as
well as I am able; lest, poor little soul, she fall into such snares,
as her unhappy dear mother fell into. I am providing a power of pretty
things for her, against I see her next, that I may make her love me, if
I can. Just now I have the blessed news, that you will set out for this happy
house on Tuesday morning. The chariot shall be with you without fail.
God give us a happy meeting! O how I long for it! Forgive your impatient
daughter, who sends this to amuse you on your journey; and desires to be
Ever most dutifully yours.