his patron, he will in all probability be a bishop, a
distinction not to be envied in these days, and therefore I do not wish
him success. My mother is, however, of the contrary opinion, having
been told that her daughter as a bishop's lady will take precedence and
be led out before Lady Hercules. Sir James and Lady O'Connor are still
well, and as happy as they well can be. Bessy has blessed me with three
boys and three girls, now all grown up; but the boys came first. The
eldest is a lieutenant in his Majesty's service, the second is a captain
of an Indiaman, and the third commands a free trader. They are all well
to do, and independent of their father. My girls, who are much younger,
have been well educated, and people say that they are very handsome; at
all events, they are modest and good-tempered. I have not attempted to
conceal what I once was, yet Time has called away most of those who knew
me in my profession. I am still considered as having been a seafaring
man, but nevertheless, in consequence of my property, I am generally
addressed by the title of Squire Saunders. By not assuming a station
which does not become me, I find myself treated not only with respect,
but with friendship, by those who are in birth, as well as other
qualifications, my superiors. My daughters are invited out to all the
balls and _fetes_ in the neighbourhood, and are great favourites
wherever they go: they all of them are like their mother, not only in
appearance, but in temper and disposition. We have plenty of young men
who visit the house, and I am afraid that we shall soon have to part
with two of them, my eldest, Virginia, being engaged to a ship-builder
at Limehouse, and Elizabeth to a young clergyman in the neighbourhood.
Jane thinks she never will marry, and, as I tell her, I suppose she
never will till she is asked. To wind up, I may say that Bessy and I
have been very happy, and promise still to be as happy as most people
are who pass through this pilgrimage. We have competence--the good
opinion of the world--a family who have never caused us one hour's
uneasiness, (how few can say that?) and we have, I trust, a due sense of
God's mercy and kindness towards us, and never lie down in our beds
without thanking Him for the many mercies we have received, and
acknowledging how unworthy we are to have been so signally blessed.

End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Poor Jack, by Frederick Marryat

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