But how will the tender heart of my friend suffer, when he hears what we have endured. Lady Grandison went to bed very ill; but, I hope, she is now better; I have not seen her this morning. I long to know if the poor officer is alive or dead. WILLIAM. LETTER XLIV. WILLIAM _to his_ MOTHER. We have Charles here again, dear mother. O how rejoiced was I to see him! The old officer is better, and we are all happy. We sat down cheerfully this morning to breakfast, and did not then expect to see him. Emilia saw him first, she flew from her chair; there is my dear brother Charles! cried she, and ran to meet him as quick as possible. They came into the house hand in hand; but Charles let his sister’s hand go, as he entered the room, and ran to his father.—I will relate the conversation word for word. CHARLES. Can you forgive me, dear father, for having caused you so much uneasiness? SIR CHARLES. Let me embrace you—you are dearer to me than ever; our uneasiness was not your fault, you have done your duty to your fellow-creature without forgetting your parents. How is the gentleman you have assisted? CHARLES. The officer is better, but still very weak. LADY GRANDISON. But, my dear, is he alone in that cottage? Will they take proper care of him? CHARLES. I have not left him alone with them, his own son is now with him. As soon as the old gentleman recovered his recollection, he mentioned his place of abode, which was not very distant. I sent to inform his children of the accident; and his eldest son set off immediately, and soon arrived at the cottage. When I had committed him into the hands of his son, I was eager to return home to my parents. SIR CHARLES. You were right, your presence was not then necessary; but has the poor man means to provide himself with what is requisite in his weak state? CHARLES. Yes, I enquired, and find he is in very good circumstances. Did I do right, Sir? I only rewarded the farmer, and gave Harry a trifle: and now I will return the remainder of the money you sent me. SIR CHARLES. You may keep it, and distribute it as you please. I am now treating you like a friend—a man; I allow you to exercise, according to the dictates of your own heart, the noblest priviledge of our nature, that of doing good: and do it often in secret, let the plaudit of your own heart, be your only recompense. LADY GRANDISON. How did you pass the night? Did you sleep at all? CHARLES.