goodness! How shall I bear it?--But do you
think, sir, in such a family as yours, a person whom you shall honour
with the name of mistress of it, will not find useful employments for
her time, without looking abroad for any others?

In the first place, sir, if you will give me leave, I will myself look
into such parts of the family economy, as may not be beneath the rank
to which I shall have the honour of being exalted, if any such there
can be; and this, I hope, without incurring the ill will of any honest
servant.

Then, sir, I will ease you of as much of your family accounts, as I
possibly can, when I have convinced you that I am to be trusted with
them; and you know, sir, my late good lady made me her treasurer, her
almoner, and every thing.

Then, sir, if I must needs be visiting or visited, and the ladies won't
honour me so much, or even if they would now and then, I will visit, if
your goodness will allow me so to do, the sick poor in the neighbourhood
around you; and administer to their wants and necessities, in such
matters as may not be hurtful to your estate, but comfortable to them;
and entail upon you their blessings, and their prayers for your dear
health and welfare.

Then I will assist your housekeeper, as I used to do, in the making
jellies, comfits, sweetmeats, marmalades, cordials; and to pot, and
candy, and preserve for the uses of the family; and to make, myself, all
the fine linen of it for yourself and me.

Then, sir, if you will sometimes indulge me with your company, I will
take an airing in your chariot now and then: and when you shall return
home from your diversions on the green, or from the chase, or where
you shall please to go, I shall have the pleasure of receiving you with
duty, and a cheerful delight; and, in your absence, count the moments
till you return; and you will, may be, fill up some part of my time, the
sweetest by far! with your agreeable conversation, for an hour or two
now and then; and be indulgent to the impertinent overflowings of my
grateful heart, for all your goodness to me.

The breakfasting-time, the preparations for dinner, and sometimes to
entertain your chosen friends, and the company you shall bring home with
you, gentlemen, if not ladies, and the supperings, will fill up a great
part of the day in a very necessary manner.

And, may be, sir, now and then a good-humoured lady will drop in; and,
I hope, if they do, I shall so behave myself, as not to add