"Alas! my dear, there is one thing I can scarcely ever persuade myself to do; and that is--advise any one to undertake the part of humble friend." "Oh, dear! oh, dear! I know it's a terrible part in general; and I can't think why." "Because neither party in general understands the nature of the relation, nor the exchange of duties it implies. For want of proper attention to this, the post of governess is often rendered so unsatisfactory to one side, and so very uncomfortable to the other, but in that case at least _something_ is defined. In the part of the humble friend there is really nothing--every thing depends upon the equity and good-nature of the first party, and the candor and good-will of the second. Equity not to exact too much--good-nature to consult the comfort and happiness of the dependent. On that dependent's side, candor in judging of what _is_ exacted; and good-will cheerfully to do the best in her power to be amiable and agreeable." "I am not afraid of mamma. She will never be exacting _much_. She will study the happiness of all who depend upon her; she only does it almost too much, I sometimes think, to the sacrifice of her own comfort, and to the spoiling of them--and though papa is sometimes so suffering that he can't help being a little impatient, yet he is a perfect gentleman, you know. As for Lettice Arnold, if ever there was a person who knew 'how to make the best of it,' and sup cheerfully upon fried onions when she had lost her piece of roast kid, it is she. Besides, she is so uniformly good-natured, that it is quite a pleasure to her to oblige. The only danger between dearest mamma and Lettice will be--of their quarreling which shall give up most to the other. But, joking apart, she is a vast deal more than I have said--she is a remarkably clever, spirited girl, and shows it when she is called upon. You can not think how discreet, how patient, yet how firm, she can be. Her parents, poor people, were very difficult to live with, and were always running wrong. If it had not been for Lettice, affairs would have got into dreadful confusion. There is that in her so _right_, such an inherent downright sense of propriety and justice--somehow or other I am confident she will not let Randall tyrannize over mamma when I am gone." "Really," said Mrs. Danvers, "what you say seems very reasonable. There are exceptions to every rule. It certainly is one of mine to have as little as possible to do in recommending young women to the situation of humble friends. Yet in some cases I have seen all the comfort you anticipate arise to both parties from such a connection; and I own I never saw a fairer chance presented than the present; provided Randall is not too strong for you all; which may be feared."