We then hastened home; and soon after the sky cleared up, and I quickly saw that the thunder had been of use; the air was cool, and every herb and flower revived, the garden was more fragrant than usual. I thank you, dear mother, for the money you have sent me. You say it is little, but I think it much. My thanks are due to you, for I am certain you scarcely allow yourself necessaries, to enable me to appear properly in this family; I feel your goodness, and will do my utmost to improve by the opportunity, and always remember the sacrifice my mother has made, and the affection she has ever shewn me. Dr. Bartlett frequently mentions this circumstance, when we are alone; but my memory does not need refreshing—I love my mother, and long to tell her that I am her grateful and dutiful son. WILLIAM. LETTER XLI. WILLIAM _to his_ MOTHER. Judge of the good heart of Emilia; an accident yesterday made it appear to advantage. She was in the parlour with Edward, playing on the harpsicord; after she had finished the tune, she went to look for a china flower-pot in a china-closet near the parlour. She found what she wanted; but still loitered, looking at the china; and one jar she would reach from a high shelf, though Edward cautioned her: the consequence was, it fell out of her hand, and was dashed to pieces. She trembled, well knowing it was a jar of great value. EDWARD. Mighty well, you would look at the china. EMILIA. Do not scold me, I am so sorry; rather give me your advice. EDWARD. I can give you no advice; if you sought every where you could not find such another jar to match the one which is left. Why did you touch it? you must always be meddling, you are so curious. EMILIA. I will never be curious again, I assure you. I know I have done wrong. EDWARD. Now hear me, do not cry; I will tell you what you may do. Nobody has heard it, we will take the pieces and put them together behind a dish; and to-morrow, all of a sudden, you may say you have heard something fall in the closet; then go and look, and Lady Grandison will think the cat threw it down, or some other accident made it fall. EMILIA. No, Edward,—that I will never do; it would be much worse than breaking it through idle curiosity. EDWARD. What will you do then? your mother will be displeased. EMILIA. I would sooner bear her displeasure a week, than tell such a falsehood. Hear me, I will go to her, confess my fault; and indeed I shall be more careful for the future.