It was now that Elizabeth felt the inestimable advantages of _a good education_; she perfectly understood the English language; her industry and punctuality procured her many friends, who, young as she was, entrusted her with the translation of papers of consequence, and the reward she received for her labour, greatly contributed to the support of the family. Every instant she could spare from her employment and the care of their domestic affairs, was devoted to her grandmother. She nursed her when sick, read aloud for her amusement, and by every kind attention endeavoured to lessen her regret for the blessings she had lost. Madame de Joinville has often been heard to declare, that without the filial affection of her granddaughter she could hardly have supported her afflictions. The infirmities of age must sometimes render those advanced in years petulant and capricious: Elizabeth never murmured when her endeavours to please failed of success; much less did she irritate her grandmother by contradiction; she patiently submitted to these trials of her temper, and when evening came, and Madame de Joinville retired to rest, Elizabeth thought herself amply repaid for any little disappointments she had encountered during the day, by receiving her blessing and the assurance of her tenderest love.
Frederic remained two years abroad; whatever he could spare from his own actual wants he constantly remitted to his sister; but without her industry they would often have been greatly distressed. At length Elizabeth's noble and pious conduct was made known to a lady who had formerly been an intimate acquaintance of Madame de Joinville's family. Her visits to the old lady gave her constant opportunities of witnessing the amiable disposition of her granddaughter; and anxious to reward her virtues, she interested herself so warmly in their concerns, that at length, through the intercession of some powerful friends, a restitution of part of M. de Melcour's property was procured for his children. Elizabeth when in happier circumstances preserved the same humility of mind, and her never failing attention to her grandmother was rewarded by the pleasure of seeing the comforts of her last days make amends for the sorrows that had embittered so many of her former ones.