He keeps the accounts of the family; and, under the direction of his mother, manages her little property. In the evening, just before bed time, something serious is read, and Mrs. D—, repeating a short but fervent prayer, recommends us to the protection of the Almighty. We rise early, and William and I go on with our former studies till we meet the ladies at breakfast.
Annette has no master but William: he teaches her reading, writing, and arithmetic; drawing she begs as a favour; and we all instruct her in the French and English languages; and you can hardly imagine what a progress she has made.
William’s cheerful diligence excited my admiration; and I could not help mentioning it to him yesterday in terms of praise. How, my friend, said he, is it not my duty to communicate to her the knowledge that my mother has procured for me at a great expence? I am happy that I can by my zeal in this respect, prove that I am grateful for her constant kindness; besides, is not the dear girl my sister, and is not her welfare and happiness of the greatest consequence to mine? I find myself richly rewarded for my trouble, when I see her gradually improve; and I think all elder brothers and sisters ought to do the same when their parents are not in affluence.
What do you think I have done, sister? I have given up my regular correspondence with you to William, not that I shall forget to write sometimes, but as I have many letters to write, which I must not neglect, and wish to finish some drawings I have sketched of this place, I cannot write to you in such a circumstantial manner as I wish to do, without depriving myself of the company of my friends. William, you know, has the knack of writing particulars, and he can write to you while I write to my father, Dr. Bartlett, &c. You must answer his letters, and not refuse to write to my best friend, if you love me.
CHARLES.
LETTER XXIV.
William to Emilia.
May I presume to write to you, dear Miss Emilia; your brother desires me not to fear your displeasure. I have not been much accustomed to write to young ladies; you must not, then, laugh at my blunders, and I am sure my subject will interest you, for I shall tell you what your brother does and says, as I used to tell my mother.
The appearance of our country pleases him, and I endeavour to let him see as much of it as I can. Yesterday we went to Leyden, one of the most beautiful cities in Holland. We visited the university, and saw whatever else was worthy of observation. It would certainly be a matter of regret to my friend to leave Holland without seeing the public buildings and other curiosities. We had very fine weather: Robert accompanied us. Your brother chose to go in one of the Trekschuits rather than in a carriage. I cannot refrain from relating to you the following adventure, which does your brother so much honour.
Coming a little too early, as we were walking backwards and forwards, we saw two young gentlemen, genteely dressed, who came from Leyden, and were waiting as well as ourselves, for the schuit. They appeared like persons of rank not well educated, with that mistaken pride which leads a person to look down with disdain on those whom they imagine to be their inferiors. It was particularly conspicuous in one, whom we heard the other address by the title of baron. What a contrast there was between his and your brother’s manners! Soon after came a poor Jew boy, he looked sick, and had a basket on his arm with small wares in it, which he offered to us for sale. The two young gentlemen soon cast their eyes on him, and began to laugh, handing his basket backwards and forwards, pretending to look at what it contained. Great people sometimes think they may do any thing because they are rich. The jokes seemed to displease your brother not a little, and he turned away several times to avoid hearing them. But the thoughtless young men were not satisfied with a trifling joke, they pretended to buy the whole basket, and promised to pay him his full demand, which was five guilders, provided he would bring it to Leyden to the house of a Mr. Vanderk. The young Jew was exceedingly glad, and danced for joy, as perhaps he might not have sold as much in two months.
The skipper, and a man I knew, was present at this transaction. Your brother quickly observed, that there was some cheat intended in this purchase; and, after the gentlemen had stepped into the schuit, questioned the boy, who informed him that his mother was sick, and on her account he rejoiced that he had sold the whole together: he added, that he should immediately set off for Leyden, and return in the evening with the money to his mother, who was in want of it. Charles then desired the skipper to take the boy in the schuit, and paid the fare, saying, you heard those gentlemen buy the boy’s basket of wares? Yes, answered the skipper, and I too, said another man, but it is only a trick, for there is no such gentleman as Mr. Vanderk in the whole city of Leyden: they only mean to let him have his walk for his pains, and will laugh all the evening at the fine trick they have played a Jew.