, walked
together. They were very affable, kind, and obliging; and we soon
entered into a good deal of familiarity; and I found Miss Darnford a
very agreeable person. Her sister was a little more on the reserve; and
I afterwards heard, that, about a year before, she would fain have had
my master make his addresses to her: but though Sir Simon is reckoned
rich, she was not thought sufficient fortune for him. And now, to have
him look down so low as me, must be a sort of mortification to a poor
young lady!--And I pitied her.--Indeed I did!--I wish all young persons
of my sex could be as happy as I am like to be.

My master told me afterwards, that I left the other ladies, and Sir
Simon and Mr. Peters, full of my praises: so that they could hardly talk
of any thing else; one launching out upon my complexion, another upon my
eyes, my hand, and, in short, for you'll think me sadly proud, upon
my whole person and behaviour; and they all magnified my readiness and
obligingness in my answers, and the like: And I was glad of it, as I
said, for my good master's sake, who seemed quite pleased and rejoiced.
God bless him for his goodness to me!

Dinner not being ready, the young ladies proposed a tune upon the
spinnet. I said, I believed it was not in tune. They said, they knew
it was but a few months ago. If it is, said I, I wish I had known it;
though indeed, ladies, added I, since you know my story, I must own,
that my mind has not been long in tune, to make use of it. So they would
make me play upon it, and sing to it; which I did, a song my dear good
lady made me learn, and used to be pleased with, and which she brought
with her from Bath: and the ladies were much taken with the song, and
were so kind as to approve my performance: And Miss Darnford was pleased
to compliment me, that I had all the accomplishments of my sex. I said,
I had had a good lady, in my master's mother, who had spared no
pains nor cost to improve me. She said, she wished Mr. B---- could be
prevailed upon to give a ball on an approaching happy occasion, that we
might have a dancing-match, etc.--But I can't say I do; though I did not
say so: for these occasions, I think, are too solemn for the principals,
at least of our sex, to take part in, especially if they have the same
thoughts of that solemnity that I have: For, indeed, though I have
before me a prospect of happiness, that may be envied by ladies of high
rank, yet I must own to you, my dear parents