If Providence graciously makes me instrumental to it, I look
upon myself but as its instrument. I hope ostentation has no share in
what draws on me more thanks and praises than I love to hear.
Lord W---- has a right to be made happy by his next relation, if his next
relation can make him so. Is he not my mother's brother? Would not her
enlarged soul have rejoiced on the occasion, and blessed her son for an
instance of duty to her, paid by his disinterested regard for her
brother? Who, my dear Dr. Bartlett, is so happy, yet who, in some cases,
so unhappy, as your
CHARLES GRANDISON.
LETTER IX
MISS BYRON, TO MISS SELBY
MONDAY, APRIL 3.
The Countess of D----, and the earl, her son, have but just left us. The
countess sent last night, to let my cousin Reeves know of their intended
morning visit, and they came together. As the visit was made to my
cousin, I did not think myself obliged to be in waiting for them below. I
was therefore in my closet, comforting myself with my own agreeable
reflections. They were there a quarter of an hour before I was sent to.
Their talk was of me. I am used to recite my own praises, you know; and
what signifies making a parade of apologies for continuing the use? I
don't value myself so much as I once did on peoples favourable opinions.
If I had a heart in my own keeping, I should be glad it was thought a
good one; that's all.
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