Newcome was widow, and am not sorry of it. My friend, I hope there was
not that difference of age between your wife and you that I have known in
other unions. I pray the good God to bless yours. I hold you always in my
memory. As I write, the past comes back to me. I see a noble young man,
who has a soft voice, and brown eyes. I see the Thames, and the smiling
plains of Blackheath. I listen and pray at my chamber-door as my father
talks to you in our little cabinet of studies. I look from my window, and
see you depart.

"My son's are men: one follows the profession of arms, one has embraced
the ecclesiastical state; my daughter is herself a mother. I remember
this was your birthday; I have made myself a little fete in celebrating
it, after how many years of absence, of silence! Comtesse De Florac.
(Nee L. de Blois.)"


III

"My Dear Thomas,--Mr. Sneid, supercargo of the Ramchunder, East Indiaman,
handed over to us yesterday your letter, and, to-day, I have purchased
three thousand three hundred and twenty-three pounds 6 and 8d. three per
cent Consols, in our joint names (H. and B. Newcome), held for your
little boy. Mr. S. gives a very favourable account of the little man, and
left him in perfect health two days since, at the house of his aunt, Miss
Honeyman. We have placed 200 pounds to that lady's credit, at your
desire.

"Lady Anne is charmed with the present which she received yesterday, and
says the white shawl is a great deal too handsome. My mother is also
greatly pleased with hers, and has forwarded, by the coach to Brighton,