to-day, a packet of books, tracts, etc., suited for his tender age, for
your little boy. She heard of you lately from the Rev. T. Sweatenham on
his return from India. He spoke of your kindness,--and of the hospitable
manner in which you had received him at your house, and alluded to you in
a very handsome way in the course of the thanksgiving that evening. I
dare say my mother will ask your little boy to the Hermitage; and when we
have a house of our own, I am sure Anne and I will be very happy to see
him. Yours affectionately, Major Newcome. B. Newcome."


IV

"My Dear Colonel,--Did I not know the generosity of your heart, and the
bountiful means which Heaven has put at your disposal in order to gratify
that noble disposition; were I not certain that the small sum I required
will permanently place me beyond the reach of the difficulties of life,
and will infallibly be repaid before six months are over, believe me I
never would have ventured upon that bold step which our friendship
(carried on epistolarily as it has been), our relationship, and your
admirable disposition, have induced me to venture to take.

"That elegant and commodious chapel, known as Lady Whittlesea's, Denmark
Street, Mayfair, being for sale, I have determined on venturing my all in
its acquisition, and in laying, as I hope, the foundation of a competence
for myself and excellent sister. What is a lodging-house at Brighton but
an uncertain maintenance? The mariner on the sea before those cliffs is
no more sure of wind and wave, or of fish to his laborious net, than the
Brighton house-owner (bred in affluence she may have been, and used to
unremitting plenty) to the support of the casual travellers who visit the
city. On one day they come in shoals, it is true, but where are they on