Page:The Expedition of Humphry Clinker, Volume 1 - Smollett (1772).djvu/57

 are a stripling—You know nothing of the world—Besides, charity begins at home—Twenty pounds would buy me a complete suit of flowered silk, trimmings and all—" In short, I quitted the room, my contempt for her, and my respect for her brother, being increased in the same proportion. I have since been informed, that the person, whom my uncle so generously relieved, is the widow of an ensign, who has nothing to depend upon but the pension of fifteen pounds a year. The people of the Wellhouse give her an excellent character. She lodges in a garret, and works very hard at plain work, to support her daughter, who is dying of a consumption. I must own, to my shame, I feel a strong inclination to follow my uncle's example, in relieving this poor widow; but, be twixt friends, I am afraid of being detected in a weakness, that might entail the ridicule of the company, upon,

Dear Phillips,

Yours always,