ng gentlemen and their ladies, who, by appointment with
one another, met to congratulate our happiness. Nothing could be more
obliging, more free and affectionate, than the ladies; nothing more
polite than the gentlemen. All was performed (for they came to supper)
with decency and order, and much to every one's satisfaction; which
was principally owing to good Mrs. Jervis's care and skill; who is an
excellent manager.

For my part, I was dressed out only to be admired, as it seems: and
truly, if I had not known, that I did not make myself, as you, my dear
father, once hinted to me, and if I had had the vanity to think as well
of myself, as the good company was pleased to do, I might possibly have
been proud. But I know, as my Lady Davers said, though in anger, yet in
truth, that I am but a poor bit of painted dirt. All that I value myself
upon, is, that God has raised me to a condition to be useful, in my
generation, to better persons than myself. This is my pride: And I hope
this will be all my pride. For what was I of myself!--All the good I can
do, is but a poor third-hand good; for my dearest master himself is but
the second-hand. God, the all-gracious, the all-good, the all-bountiful,
the all-mighty, the all-merciful God, is the first: To him, therefore,
be all the glory!

As I expect the happiness, the unspeakable happiness, my ever-dear and
ever-honoured father and mother, of enjoying you both here, under this
roof, so soon, (and pray let it be as soon as you can,) I will not enter
into the particulars of the last agreeable evening: For I shall have a
thousand things, as well as that, to talk to you upon. I fear you will
be tired with my prattle when I see you!

I am to return these visits singly; and there were eight ladies here of
different families. Dear heart! I shall find enough to do!--I doubt
my time will not be so well filled up, as I once promised my dear
master!--But he is pleased, cheerful, kind, affectionate! O what a happy
creature am I!--May I be always thankful to God, and grateful to him!

When all these tumultuous visitings are over, I shall have my mind, I
hope, subside into a family calm, that I may make myself a little useful
to the household of my dear master; or else I shall be an unprofitable
servant indeed!

Lady Davers sent this morning her compliments to us both, very
affectionately; and her lord's good wishes and congratulations: and she
desired my writings per bearer; and says, sh