Let it pass, rejoined De Lancaster; we have matter of more moment to discourse upon. You will understand, Miss Jones, that by the will of the deceased lady, who had your interest so much at heart, you become invested with a claim upon us of a twofold nature: the one portion of my daughter-in-law’s bequest to you is easily satisfied, for it is set down in the shape of a specific sum; the other and the greater portion, being undefined, is an obligation, that can never be fairly said to terminate so long as any thing shall remain undone on the part of my grandson, which, according to his interpretation of his mother’s wishes, may seem necessary for your honour and advantage to be further done. John however is yet under age: on whom then, but on me, during his minority, does that obligation in its full extent devolve? I acknowledge it; I embrace it voluntarily; I will execute it religiously. You are my charge; you are my child, and in trust for my grandson I receive you into my adoption. Amelia, half-rising from her seat, and pressing her claspt hands upon her bosom, bowed her head and wept. De Lancaster proceeded. How then am I to fulfil this duty. Surely not by deputy, not by assignment: I must not suffer you to live at distance; you must discharge yourself as speedily as may be from your residence at Denbigh. Retain if you see fit, Mrs. Jennings as a friend attached to you, but look to my Cecilia for those instructions, which are to regulate your morals, and that example, which is to form your manners. Henceforward I expect that you will regard Kray Castle as your proper home. With this benevolent, but authoritative, invitation Mr. De Lancaster concluded, when Cecilia, rightly conceiving, that a creature, young and modest as Amelia, might find it difficult to suit her answer to a speech and speaker of such a style and character, kindly interposed by asking her in a familiar manner, whether she thought she could pass her time as much to her content at Kray Castle as at Denbigh. Ah madam, she replied, I have good reason to be contented with the way in which I pass my time at Denbigh, but I trust I need not say how much I feel the honour of being asked to Kray Castle, which of course would be so high a treat to me. I must acknowledge to you notwithstanding, that as I know of nothing, that can intitle me to the kindness you are pleased to show me, I am fearful and alarmed, lest by stepping out of my obscurity I should be suspected of conceiving myself to be any other than what I really am, an orphan hitherto supported upon charity, and now at once provided for in a way, that offers comforts, which my parents did not possess, and affluence, which they had not to bequeath.