LETTER XXVIII.
August 10.
IF I were not deprived of all understanding, I might lead the
happiest life in the world here; so many agreeable circumstances,
and of a kind to make a worthy man happy, are seldom united.
Alas! I feel it but too sensibly! happiness depends solely on the
mind! To be considered as making part of the most amiable family
in the world, to be beloved by the father as a son, by the
children as a father, and by Charlotte -- and this worthy Albert,
{74} who does not interrupt my happiness by any stroke of
ill-humour, who salutes me cordially, and prefers me to every
thing but Charlotte. In fact, nothing can be more ridiculous than
our connection, and yet I am frequently softened even to tears.
When he talks to me of Charlotte's most respectable mother; when
he describes to me her last moments, and the affecting scene in
which she gave up to her daughter the care of her children and
family; when he tells me how Charlotte immediately assumed
another character; what a skilful economist, and an active
housewife she became, and what a tender mother; every day
displaying all these qualities, and yet preserving her agreeable
chearfulness and vivacity; I walk by the side of him, pick up
flowers by the way, with great attention make a nosegay, and --
throw it into the first brook I come to, and watch it as it
glides gently down. I don't recollect {75} whether I told you
that Albert is to settle here. He is much esteemed at court, and
has obtained a place which brings him into a good income. I have
seen few men so punctual and methodical in business.
