“I am sorry to find you have left Lady Ossiter as I
imagine you must have grossly offended her Ladyship
before she could have parted with you, as you was such
a favorite with her mother; however, Rebecca, you
chose to leave your father's house, and to conduct yourself
by the advice of strangers, you therefore know best
child, what you are about; I shall not take upon me to
advise, where my advice will be disregarded. As to
coming into the country, I think it would be putting
yourself to a needless expence, as I know you would never
be happy to stay here: and sensible as I was of
that, you cannot wonder I have chosen a companion
and protector for myself, and by uniting with the worthy
Mr. Serle, have upon his daughter and family a claim
to those tendernesses and attentions I in vain expected
from my own child. Mr. Serle went to the inn and inquired
for your trunk, but we can hear nothing of it;
you must therefore inquire for it at the inn from whence
the coach sets out in London.
“As you always were, or pretended to be a little
philosopher, I have no doubt but you will get very
well through the world; and you have youth and a
good constitution on your side. I shall always be glad
to hear of your welfare; above all things, Rebecca, be
modest and virtuous, and mind your religious duties,
as your poor father and I always taught you; and never
forget that you have a mother who loves you, and to
whom all your duty and respect is due. Mr. Serle and
Miss Peggy desire me to give their best wishes to you,
though they have no acquaintance with you.
I am, dear child,
Your affectionate mother,
R. SERLE.”
