Page:A memoir of Jane Austen (Fourth Edition).pdf/69

 'MY DEA'RES POLL,

'Y letters by Cousin Robbert Serle arrived here not before the 27th of Aprill, yett were they hartily wellcome to us, bringing y joyful news which a great while we had longed for of my most dear Mother & all other relations & friends good health which I beseech God continue to you all, & as I observe in y to y Sister Betty ye extraordinary kindness of (as I may truly say) the best Moth & G Moth in the world in pinching herself to make you fine, so I cannot but admire her great good Housewifry in affording you so very plentifull an allowance, & yett to increase her Stock at the rate I find she hath done; & think I can never sufficiently mind you how very much it is y duty on all occasions to pay her y gratitude in all humble submission & obedience to all her commands soe long as you live, I must tell you 'tis to her bounty & care in y greatest measure you are like to owe y well living in this world, & as you cannot but be very sensible you are an extraordinary charge to her so it behoves you to take particular heed th in y whole course of yr life, you render her a proportionable comfort, especially since 'tis y best way you can ever hope to make her such amends as God requires of y hands. but Poll! it grieves me a little & y I am forced to take notice of & reprove you for some vaine expressions in y lett to y Sister-you say concerning y allowance "you aime to bring yr bread & cheese even" in this I do not discommend you, for a foule shame indeed it would be should you out run the Constable having