The papers I send herewith will afford you some diversion, particularly those relating to Sir Simon Darnford; and I must desire, that when you have perused them (as well as what I shall send for the future), you will return them to me.

Mr. Longman greatly pleased me, on his last return, in his account of your health, and the satisfaction you take in your happy lot; and I must recite to you a brief conversation on this occasion, which, I dare say, will please you as much as it did me.

After having adjusted some affairs with his dear principal, which took up two hours, my best beloved sent for me.  “My dear,” said he, seating me by him, and making the good old gentleman sit down, (for he will always rise at my approach) “Mr. Longman and I have settled, in two hours, some accounts, which would have taken up as many months with some persons:  for never was there an exacter or more methodical accomptant.  He gives me (greatly to my satisfaction, because I know it will delight you) an account of the Kentish concern, and of the pleasure your father and mother take in it.—­Now, my charmer,” said he, “I see your eyes begin to glisten:  O how this subject raises your whole soul to the windows of it!—­Never was so dutiful a daughter, Mr. Longman; and never did parents better deserve a daughter’s duty.”

I endeavoured before Mr. Longman to rein in a gratitude, that my throbbing heart confessed through my handkerchief, as I perceived:  but the good old gentleman could not hinder his from shewing itself at his worthy eyes, to see how much I was favoured—­oppressed, I should say—­with the tenderest goodness to me, and kind expressions.—­“Excuse me,” said he, wiping his cheeks:  “my delight to see such merit so justly rewarded will not be contained, I think.”  And so he arose and walked to the window.

“Well, good Mr. Longman,” said I, as he returned towards us, “you give me the pleasure to know that my father and mother are well; and happy then they must be, in a goodness and bounty, that I, and many more, rejoice in.”

“Well and happy, Madam;—­ay, that they are, indeed!  A worthier couple never lived.  Most nobly do they go on in the farm.  Your honour is one of the happiest gentlemen in the world.  All the good you do, returns upon you in a trice.  It may well be said you cast your bread upon the waters; for it presently comes to you again, richer and heavier than when you threw it in.  All the Kentish tenants, Madam, are hugely delighted with their good steward:  every thing prospers under his management:  the gentry love both him and my dame; and the poor people adore them.”

Thus ran Mr. Longman on, to my inexpressible delight, you may believe; and when he withdrew—­“’Tis an honest soul,” said my dear Mr. B.  “I love him for his respectful love to my angel, and his value for the worthy pair.  Very glad I am, that every thing answers their wishes.  May they long live, and be happy!”