adopting the step proposed, but I could not make up my mind to the associating with men-servants. This objection, however, was soon removed by Mrs. Smith assuring me that, in the highest families, the female attendant on the mistress had rooms to herself; and she added, that I had nothing to do but to make the bargain; and, said she, "the more fuss you make about yourself, the more you will be thought of, and the better you will be treated." Lady Eustace was in Ireland, and I had no friends at hand to advise me, except the kind, though humble, and perhaps ill-judging ones, by whom I was at present surrounded; and the thought of again becoming a schoolroom drudge, neglected and ill-used by both mistress and servants, was beyond any thing distasteful to me. This dislike was fostered by Mrs. Davies, who undertook, as I would not accept her generous offer, to look out for such a situation as she thought would suit me, for I at length determined to become a-" lady's-maid." Dr. Matson, who had so kindly and assiduously attended me during my illness, had once or twice brought his wife with him, and both seemed to take a great interest in my welfare. Upon Mrs. Davies informing them of my history, troubles, and present wishes and intentions, they instantly exclaimed that they were certain they knew of a situation which would exactly suit me. The Lady Frances Elton, whom the doctor attended, had commissioned him to look out for a well-educated young person who would act in the double capacity of attendant and companion when she was alone. Her ladyship was unmarried, and was between sixty and seventy years of age. Her own maid, who had lived with her thirty years, was nearly as old as her mistress, and it was to assist this person in her attendance, and to relieve her in various ways, by reading to and amusing her lady, that a young person was required. I eagerly caught at this offer, and the Doc VOL. I. K tor promised to mention me to her ladyship when he went down to her villa at Twickenham the next day. I was, as may be imagined, very anxious for a favourable answer to his application. I was tired of being unemployed, and looked forward with the sanguine hope of youth to better days. Upon Dr. Matson's return, he informed me that Lady Frances was willing to take me for six weeks on trial, from his recommendation; that she should immediately write to Lady Eustace, whom she knew, and if her answer confirmed my statements, and I suited her, she would be happy to retain me, and give me twenty pounds a year. I was also informed that I should not be expected to sit with, or take my meals with any one, save her ladyship's own personal attendant. I received orders to start on the following Saturday. This was Monday; I therefore lost no time in hastening my little prepara All my anxiety now was about poor Patty, who had shown me so much kindness during my illness and distress. This was also removed, and very unexpectedly and pleasantly, for the good Doctor, to whom I had recounted all I owed her, and my anxious desire to see her settled in some worthy family who would appreciate her good qualities, readily offered to take her into his, having recently parted with his cook. I had therefore the satisfaction, before I quitted London, to see the truly kind and warmhearted Welsh woman happily settled in the family of Dr. Matson, with an from him and his excellent lady, that if she showed as much fidelity to them as she had kindness and compassion to me, old age and infirmity should never be a reason for parting with her. assurance I had now only to express my gratitude to Dr. Matson for his great kindness to myself, to bid adieu to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, from whom I had experienced much civility and attention, |