Sir William Verville is come back to town; I was with him this morning; he desires to see the child; he tells me, his brother, in his last moments, mentioned this story in all the agony of remorse, and begged him to provide for the little innocent, if to be found; that he had made many enquiries, but hitherto in vain; and that he thought himself happy in the discovery.
He talks of settling three thousand pounds on the child, and taking the care of educating him into his own hands.
I hinted at some little provision for the amiable girl who had saved him from perishing, and had the pleasure to find Sir William listen to me with attention.
I am sorry it is not possible for me to be at your masquerade; but my affair is just at the crisis: Bell expects a particular account of it from Mrs. Rivers, and desires to be immediately in the secret of the ladies dresses, though you are not: she begs you will send your fair cottager and little charge to us, and we will take care to introduce them properly to Sir William.
I am too much hurried to say more.
Adieu! my dear Rivers!
Your affectionate
J. Fitzgerald.
LETTER CCIX.213.
To Mrs. Fitzgerald.
Nov. 8.
Yes, my dear Bell, politeness is undoubtedly a moral virtue.