“Agreeable to your Ladyship's benevolent desire, I
this morning waited on you in St. Alban's-street, an honor
which the extreme illness of my mother had prevented
my enjoying so early as I could have wished. While
I was, in compliance with your commands, waiting your
Ladyship's return from airing, I discovered that Lord
Chatterton and Sir George Worthy are one and the same
person; it therefore struck me that your Ladyship, having
seen his portrait in my possession, might entertain but
an indifferent opinion of my character: It might also occasion
uneasiness between my Lord and you, and interrupt
that felicity which I servently wish may be as permanent
and lasting as your lives. I thought it my
duty, therefore, to explain to your Ladyship the means
by which this portrait came into my possession.
“I once, Madam, lived in the family of the late Lady
Mary Worthy, more as an highly favoured companion
than a servant. Indeed she was to me a generous
friend, a dear and respected benefactress, whom living I
loved with the affection of a daughter, and whom dead
I can never cease to lament.
“Some months after her death, I received her portrait
as a present from Sir George, by the hands of Mrs.
Harley, her Ladyship's house-keeper, but did not know
it contained the resemblance of Sir George himself till
some time after it had been in my possession; nor have
I seen him since, till about two months ago, when I
accidentally met him in the street, and even then we
scarcely spoke to each other.
“Permit me, Madam, to return my thanks for the
unexpected bounty you so delicately bestowed upon me;
to thank you also for that benevolence of heart which
led you so far to interest yourself in my behalf, as to with
again to see me; to have enjoyed your friendly protection
would have been a cordial to my depressed soul; to deserve
it, the study of my life: but, alas, Madam, an insurmountable
obstacle is placed between me and so enviable
a distinction. Since I was so happy as to meet you,
a circumstance has occurred, which will prevent my again
having the pleasure of waiting on you: But permit me
to offer up the most ardent prayers for the continued happiness
of yourself and Lord. May peace and love ever
dwell in your bosoms, and prosperity crown your days.
Permit me also to add, that however inconsistent my conduct
may appear, my heart will everflow with the most
grateful affection towards your Ladyship, while it beats
in the breast of,
Madam,
Your obliged humble servant,
REBECCA LITTLETON.”
P. S. I must entreat your Ladyship to inform my dear
Miss Ossiter, how much I was gratified by her affectionate
remembrance of me, and that I shall ever pray for her
happiness.
