I send you by this opportunity, some pocket-money, I wish I could afford to send you more, as you deserve it; for Lady Grandison informs me, that you are very careful, and try to make your clothes last long. In you this attention is a virtue, as you do it not only to spare your mother, whose circumstances are confined, but to have money to give to the poor. The œconomy and self-denial, which flows from such motives, is so laudable, that I hope the foolish sneers of thoughtless young people, will never make you think yourself mean-spirited, as they will call you: those only can be called mean, in the true sense of the word, who save to gratify their appetites. Write often, your conversations please me, and I mentioned before, that they improved Annette.
D.
LETTER XL.
William to his Mother.
I must give you another proof of the virtue and wisdom of my friend Charles. Yesterday, when we had done our lessons, for we never neglect them, we went to the wood, to take our pleasure, and found it very pleasant; but the thickness of the trees prevented our seeing a heavy storm that was approaching, till a violent peal of thunder made us jump. Emilia is very much afraid of thunder.
EMILIA.
Brother, it thunders—what shall I do?
CHARLES.
Do not terrify yourself, there is no cause for fear; it is only the natural consequence of great heat, and the weather lately has been very warm. We will return home, it is right to leave the trees, they attract the lightning.
EMILIA.
I dare not stir—O if I was but in the house, in the cellar!