I don't think I am of any use at all; he is fond of me, of course, dear papa; and if I died, I don't know what would become of him; but that's only because I am his daughter--he has only George besides to care for.

But, really and truly, he would get on as well without me.

I never do anything for him, but now and then playing to him in the evening, and that not always, I am afraid, when I want to be about anything else.

He is always petting me, and giving me all I want, but I never do anything but my lessons, and going to the school, and the poor people, and that is all pleasure.

I have so much that I never miss what I give away.