Robert saw afterwards the captain give the gentleman the money, whilst I hastened forward, lest he should suspect me. Do not mention this circumstance to any one, my dear sister; my father, you know, gave me above fifty guineas to spend in this tour, and I could well spare this sum.
Sleep sound, my dear sister, and in the morning I will return to my letter, and give you some account of my meeting with my friend.
IN CONTINUATION.
It was evening when we arrived at my friend’s native place; they did not expect us that day. The servant who opened the door, told me her young master was at home alone; she conducted me into a small apartment, and was going to call him down. You know, Emilia, that I love a trick in which there is no mischief; I then desired she would conduct me to the room without telling him of my arrival. I crept to his chamber door, which was half open: he was playing on his violin one of the lively songs we had often sung together when he was in England. I immediately began to accompany him with my voice: his violin was instantly silent, and he listened a moment to my prolonged note, then he darted out of the room, and soon discovered me behind the door. After we had embraced each other, he overwhelmed me with questions, not forgetting how Emilia looked, how she sung, &c. &c. He wished me to have some refreshment; but you know I never eat any thing between meals.
We chatted delightfully together, expecting Mrs. D— home every moment; mean while I cast my eyes round the room: the walls were hung with his own drawings; neatness and order were conspicuous in every thing. This little solitary apartment, said he, must seem to you very homely after Grandison Hall? It is just that neat simplicity which suits my taste, answered I; it is all adorned with your works; you look cheerful, and are sincere, what more is wanted to give dignity to the place? How much more honour do these drawings do you, which are a proof of your diligence and skill, than the most excellent pictures, which are purchased for show, by those who do not even know their value. On his table stood a cabinet which looked so beautiful that I was curious to examine it, but how surprised was I, when he told me it was only pasteboard, which he had made himself, and ornamented with landscapes and wreaths of flowers. He told me he intended it for a young lady whom he highly esteemed. Will you listen, Emilia, while I whisper in your ear who I think that lady is—your noble self. These, said William, are my employments. I draw, read, and play on my violin; then I have my mathematical instruments and my box of tools; I declare the day is not long enough for all I have to do. And it is very happy for me that I can amuse myself, as my mother’s circumstances are so confined, I could not keep company with my father’s relations and friends, without leading her into expenses that she could not well bear. And believe me, Charles, added he, I never will condescend to be intimate in a family where I am considered in the light of an inferior: of course I will never receive any favours in the style of an humble companion. What noble principles, Emilia! how glad I am to have such a friend!
Mrs. D— returned soon after with her daughter Annette. My friend introduced me to his mother, saying, behold the friend whom I love next to yourself. William had reason to praise his mother, for there is a sweetness in her manners that charmed me more than I can describe, and a look of sorrow that makes her very interesting. Annette is a pretty lively girl, but her gaiety does not render her remiss in her duty, for she watches her mother’s looks, anxious to anticipate her wishes. She immediately enquired about you, and expressed a great desire to be acquainted with you.
We are going to take a walk with Mrs. D—, so I must finish my long letter: I have written by the same post to both my father, mother, and Dr. Bartlett. Across the dreadful ocean, which you fear so much; I send you my good wishes. God bless you!
CHARLES.
LETTER XXIII.
Charles to Emilia.
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.