MARGARET GODOLPIIZN, acts of benevolence. At one time she clad twenty - three pensioners, this being a very inconsiderable part of her charities, and on Evelyn's accusing her of profusion, she replied by a smile. " Often have I known her privately slip away," writes Evelyn, in touching terms, " and break from the gay and public company, the greatest entertainments, and greatest persons, too, of the Court, to make a step to some miserable, poor, sick creature, whilst those she quitted would wonder why she went from the conversation ; and more they would had they seen how the scene was changed, from a kingly palace to some mean cottage, from the company of princes to poor necessitous wretches, when by-and-bye she would return as cheerful, and in good humour, as if she had been about some worldly concern, and excuse her absence in the most innocent manner imaginable. Never must I forget the innocent pleasure she took in doing charities. 'Twas one day that I was with her, when seeing a poor creature in the streets : ` Now,' says she to me, ' how will I make that miserable wretch rejoice !' upon which she sent him ten times more than I am confident he ever could expect. This she spoke, not as boasting, but so as I might perceive her very soul lifted up in secret joy to consider how the miserable man would be made happy with the surprise." Weary of the endless routine of tasks which brought no satisfaction in their accomplishment, and of the frivolous amusements which afforded no 26
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