But before the servants came in, Let me tell you, madam, said he, what Miss Jervois has proposed to me.—­They were in silent expectation.

She has desired that you, major, will accept from her, for your mutual use, of an additional 100L. a year; which I shall order to be paid you quarterly, during Mrs. O’Hara’s life, not doubting but you will make her as happy as it is in your power to make her.

My mother bowed, coloured with gratitude, and looked obliged.

And she begs of you, madam, turning to my mother, that you will accept, as from the Major, another 100L. a year, for pin-money, which he, or which you, madam, will draw upon me for; also quarterly, if you choose not to trouble him to do it:  for this 100L. a year must be appropriated to your sole and separate use, madam; and not be subject to your controul, Major O’Hara.

Good God! sir! said the Major!—­What a wretch was I, the last time I was here!—­There is no bearing of this!

He got up, and went to the window:  and the captain said, Blessed Jesu! and something else, which I could not mind; for I was weeping like a baby.

What, sir! said my mother, 400L. a year!  Do you mean so?—­I do, madam—­ And, sir, to be so generously paid me my 100L. of it, as if I received it not from my child, but from my husband!—­Good God!  How you overpower me, sir!  What shame, what remorse, do you strike into my heart!

And my poor mother’s tears ran down as fast as mine.

O madam, said the dear girl to me, clasping her arms about me, how your tender heart is touched!—­It is well you were not there!

Dr. Bartlett came in to tea.  My guardian would not permit Antony, who offered himself, to wait.  Antony had been my own papa’s servant, when my mother was not so good.

Nothing but blessings, nothing but looks and words of admiration and gratitude, passed all the tea-time.  How their hearts rejoiced, I warrant!—­Is it not a charming thing, madam, to make people’s hearts glad?—­To be sure it is!  How many hearts has my guardian rejoiced!  You must bid him be cross to me, or I shall not know what to do with myself!  —­But then, if he was, I should only get by myself, and cry, and be angry with myself, and think he could not be to blame.

O my love, my Emily! said I, take care of your gratitude:  that drew in your true friend.

Well, but how can it be helped, madam?  Can a right heart be ungrateful?  —­Dr. Bartlett says, There is no such thing as true happiness in this life:  and is it not better to be unhappy from good men and women, than from bad?—­Dear madam, why you have often made me unhappy, because of your goodness to me; and because I knew, that I neither could deserve nor return it.