Dear Sister, You must not keep the unfortunate young lady who has entered into your service, you must let her go back to comfort her afflicted mother. Emilia is much too tender and humane to bear with the attendance of an equal to gratify herself. You know my mother’s goodness; excuse me, but I must say that your sensibility was ill placed when you promised to conceal the matter from her. She who formed your heart to virtue is better able to advise you than I am. Her liberality will provide for that unfortunate girl some other means of supporting her mother than that of being your waiting maid. Nay, what an honour would it be for my Emilia to do without one, and give her wages to a sick widow. My sister knows well enough how to dress herself, and such a pleasing reflection would render her little troubles sweet. Let the mean spirited Lady Jane glory in having useless servants, Emilia Grandison will find more satisfaction in waiting on herself to be able to do more good. Delay not a moment my dear. Now, without any loss of time, you must mention every circumstance to my mother; how much would it distress you if the girl’s parent was to die without your being able to effect your humane design. But what surprise do you speak of, in the postscript of your letter? By whom, by what, shall I be surprised? I shall play you a trick for this. However, I remain yours affectionately, CHARLES. LETTER XXX. WILLIAM _to_ EMILIA. A letter from Emilia—from the sister of my friend Charles—what a pleasure! you are indeed an amiable girl—how far do you outshine the haughty Lady Jane! Do not frown at the comparison or suppose that I mean to flatter you, for your brother bestowed the warmest praises on your behaviour. But perhaps our conversation may entertain you. CHARLES. How glad I am that my sister has imbibed such just notions; I am proud of my sister. WILLIAM. You have reason to be so, she deserves to be esteemed; too many young ladies think like Lady Jane, and satisfied with a distinguished rank, do not seek to obtain real excellence, by improving their minds. CHARLES. I acknowledge it, but you must have observed that nothing is more humiliating than pride; the respect that is paid to a proud person is only a mere compliment, or done through interested motives, which degrade the person who pays it. It is a mere farce to bow to a being we despise. WILLIAM. I believe so. I have more than once seen the lowest bow made to a haughty man, and no sooner was his back turned than he was ridiculed. CHARLES.