She desired Sir Harry to write, before the day concluded, the invitation
of return, to Mr. Beauchamp; and to do her all the credit in it that she
might claim from the last part of the conversation; but not to mention
any thing of the first.
She afterwards abated a little of this right spirit, by saying, I think,
Sir Harry, you need not mention any thing of the arrears, as I may call
them--But only the future 600L. a year. One would surprise him a little,
you know, and be twice thanked--
Surprises of such a nature as this, my dear Dr. Bartlett; pecuniary
surprises!--I don't love them--They are double taxes upon the gratitude
of a worthy heart. Is it not enough for a generous mind to labour under
a sense of obligation?--Pride, vain-glory, must be the motive of such
narrow-minded benefactors: a truly beneficent spirit cannot take delight
in beholding the quivering lip indicating the palpitating heart; in
seeing the downcast countenance, the up-lifted hands, and working
muscles, of a fellow-creature, who, but for unfortunate accidents, would
perhaps himself have had the will, with the power, of shewing a more
graceful benevolence!
I was so much afraid of hearing farther abatements of Lady Beauchamp's
goodness; so willing to depart with favourable impressions of her for her
own sake; and at the same time so desirous to reach the Hall that night;
that I got myself excused, though with difficulty, staying to dine; and
accepting of a dish of chocolate, I parted with Sir Harry and my lady,
both in equal good humour with themselves and me.
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