For, if I may say to you, my dear, what I would not to any other
person living, it is my opinion, that had she been of a temper that
would have borne less, she would have had ten times less to bear, than
she has had. No commendation, you'll say, of the generosity of those
spirits which can turn to its own disquiet so much condescending
goodness.

Upon my word I am sometimes tempted to think that we may make the
world allow for and respect us as we please, if we can but be sturdy
in our wills, and set out accordingly. It is but being the less
beloved for it, that's all: and if we have power to oblige those we
have to do with, it will not appear to us that we are. Our flatterers
will tell us any thing sooner than our faults, or what they know we do
not like to hear.

Were there not truth in this observation, is it possible that my
brother and sister could make their very failings, their vehemences,
of such importance to all the family? 'How will my son, how will my
nephew, take this or that measure? What will he say to it? Let us
consult him about it;' are references always previous to every
resolution taken by his superiors, whose will ought to be his. Well
may he expect to be treated with this deference by every other person,
when my father himself, generally so absolute, constantly pays it to
him; and the more since his godmother's bounty has given independence
to a spirit that was before under too little restraint.--But whither
may these reflections lead me!--I know you do not love any of us but
my mother and me; and, being above all disguises, make me sensible
that you do not oftener than I wish.--Ought I then to add force to
your dislikes of those whom I wish you to like?--of my father