LETTER XXXIV.
William to his Mother.
You will wonder, my dear mother, at Charles; he did not buy books with the money—but you shall hear all about it. His father came into his room before he had finished his prayers, I was in the next room; I had said mine, and waited for him to go with him to Dr. Bartlett. He rose hastily when his father entered, who laid a paper on the table, and desired him to conclude the sacred duty he was employed in, before he paid any respect to his earthly father;—and saying so, he left the chamber.
When Charles joined me he opened the paper, and found four guineas—he paused a moment.—William, said he, I wish to have your opinion, we have in our neighbourhood but few young people, we must have a dance, we all love dancing, and we may be merry, without spending money in sweetmeats and unnecessary dainties. Well then, said Charles, I will gratify my own inclination: and immediately we joined the breakfast table. When we were alone with Sir Charles, my friend addressed him, May I, Sir, do what I please with the money you have given me?
SIR CHARLES.
Yes, certainly, I gave it you.
CHARLES.
Then I know who shall celebrate my birth-day, if you approve of it—and I shall be quite happy if you consent.
SIR CHARLES.
Well, who?
CHARLES.