With the six thousand pounds I would have bought Mr.
Boulter's estate and negroes, which would have given us a good thousand
pounds a year, and made a handsome provision for my Harry." Her young
friend and neighbour, Mr. Washington of Mount Vernon, could not convince
her that the London agent was right, and must not give up his trust
except to those for whom he held it. Madam Esmond gave the London lawyer
a piece of her mind, and, I am sorry to say, informed Mr. Draper that
he was an insolent pettifogger, and deserved to be punished for
doubting the honour of a mother and an Esmond. It must be owned that the
Virginian Princess had a temper of her own.

George Esmond, her firstborn, when this little matter was referred to
him, and his mother vehemently insisted that he should declare himself,
was of the opinion of Mr. Washington, and Mr. Draper, the London lawyer.
The boy said he could not help himself. He did not want the money: he
would be very glad to think otherwise, and to give the money to his
mother, if he had the power. But Madam Esmond would not hear any of
these reasons. Feelings were her reasons. Here was a chance of making
Harry's fortune--dear Harry, who was left with such a slender younger
brother's; pittance--and the wretches in London would not help him; his
own brother, who inherited all her papa's estate, would not help him.
To think of a child of hers being so mean at fourteen year of age! etc.
etc. Add tears, scorn, frequent innuendo, long estrangement, bitter
outbreak, passionate appeals to Heaven, and the like, and we may fancy
the widow's state of mind. Are there not beloved beings of the gentler
sex who argue in the same way nowadays? The book of female logic is
blotted all over with tears, and Justice in their courts is for ever in
a passion.

This occurrence set the widow resolutely saving for her younger son,
for whom, as in duty bound, she was eager to make a portion. The fine
buildings were stopped which the Colonel had commenced at Castlewood,
who had freighted ships from New York with Dutch bricks, and imported,
at great charges, mantelpieces, carved cornice-work, sashes and glass,
carpets and costly upholstery from home. No more books were bought.
The agent had orders to discontinue sending wine. Madam Esmond deeply
regretted the expense of a fine carriage which she had had from England,
and only rode in it to church groaning in spirit, and crying to the sons
opposite her, "Harry, Harry!