LETTER XX. WILLIAM _to_ CHARLES. Dear Grandison, I have been very uneasy on your account, and need not tell you what a relief it was to my heart to hear of your recovery. I neglected my music; all my employments were a task to me, whilst I imagined you were sick; the sorrow is now over, and I only dream of seeing you; surely it will not be long first. I will now relate a circumstance that does not do me much honour; but it will relieve me to confess my fault. A few weeks ago, when my mother received her annuity, she made me a present of twelve ducats, that I might buy myself a new coat before you came; but as the clothes I brought with me from England are yet very good, I determined not to purchase it till just before I set off for England, that I might have something new to appear in before Lady Grandison and Emilia. Last week, however, when my mother and sister were visiting a friend for a few days, a young gentleman of my acquaintance came to drink tea with me, and mentioned by chance that a bargain had fallen in his way that very afternoon. A handsome new coat, that had never been worn, had been offered him very cheap, by a person in distress, and that he should certainly have bought it, had it not been rather too little for him. Being less than him I thought that it might fit me, and enquired, with some earnestness, if he would buy it for me. Very readily, he replied; I will get it this evening. He asked ten ducats for it, but I dare say you may have it for six. Accordingly he sent it me in the evening; and I found it, as he said, very good. I must confess it pleased me. Ten ducats were demanded for it; I offered eight, and at last gave nine, convinced that it was very cheap.