ABSTRACT
Truth compels me to declare, that the idea I had so very rashly formed of Mr. Bertills was not only injurious but unjust; and you, my dear friend, cannot more severely condemn me for judging so harshly of him, than I condemn myself. In the course of my life, I have been much in his company, but never, till now, knew his true character. I never, before, had occasion to study it. From his intense application to trade, I drew the very ridiculous inferrence, that he must, necessarily, be of a mercenary disposition; foolishly supposing, none but a miser would devote the principal part of his time to that pursuit, if he were able to live without. I am now thoroughly convinced my opinion was founded in error. I am, yet, in ignorance of Mr. Bertills’ designs/ respecting me; but my heart is at ease, from a certainty that he has too elevated a turn of mind to entertain a thought of reducing me to indigence by taking the utmost advantage that the law allows him; or, of placing me in a state of precarious and degrading dependence. I have, therefore, dismissed all my fears, and in his hands I think myself safe. Let me now inform you of the event that has caused this change in my opinion; your benevolent heart will be grati ed by the relation.
