dear father,

i must needs say, your letter has filled me with trouble, for it has made my heart, which was overflowing with gratitude for my master's goodness, suspicious and fearful: and yet i hope i shall never find him to act unworthy of his character; for what could he get by ruining such a poor young creature as me? but that which gives me most trouble is, that you seem to mistrust the honesty of your child. no, my dear father and mother, be assured, that, by god's grace, i never will do any thing that shall bring your grey hairs with sorrow to the grave. i will die a thousand deaths, rather than be dishonest any way. of that be assured, and set your hearts at rest; for although i have lived above myself for some time past, yet i can be content with rags and poverty, and bread and water, and will embrace them, rather than forfeit my good name, let who will be the tempter. and of this pray rest satisfied, and think better of your dutiful daughter till death.

my master continues to be very affable to me. as yet i see no cause to fear any thing. mrs. jervis, the housekeeper, too, is very civil to me, and i have the love of every body. sure they can't all have designs against me, because they are civil! i hope i shall always behave so as to be respected by every one; and that nobody would do me more hurt than i am sure i would do them. our john so often goes your way, that i will always get him to call, that you may hear from me, either by writing, (for it brings my hand in,) or by word of mouth.