UNCLE IN ENGLAND. 55 



companion for my daughters ; and she has my 

 free permission to be with them in this room 

 and every where, as much as she pleases." 



It is a great satisfaction to add, that my cousins 

 looked as much pleased at this as I did ; but 

 they could not feel the delight that I felt, when 

 he continued, " Bertha, my dear, when you 

 write to your mother, I desire that you will say 

 I am highly pleased with her education of her 

 little daughter. Separated from her friends and 

 country by ill health, with little of good society, 

 and labouring under many disadvantages, she 

 has not sunk into indolence or indifference she 

 has preserved her good sense and energy, and 

 has made you a gentlewoman in mind and man- 

 ners ; and I rejoice to see you so much what 

 the child of my excellent sister ought to be." 



My beloved mother, this little message to you 

 gave me such heartfelt delight, that my eyes very 

 nearly overflowed. 



My kind uncle afterwards said, " But, 

 Bertha, do not imagine that I think you have no 

 faults." 



" No, dear uncle," said I, " that never came 

 into my head ; but I am sure you and my aunt 

 will be so good as to assist me in conquering 

 them." 



" Most readily I will," said he : " indeed I will 

 write myself to your mother, and tell her how much 

 I like her Bertha, who deserves to be the com- 



