Glenalvon suggests turning that hideous old moat into a fernery,--a
great improvement. Of course your poor father makes objections."

Tom's letter was written on black-edged paper, and ran thus:--


DEAR SIR,--Since I had the honour to see you in London I have had a
sad loss: my poor uncle is no more. He died very suddenly after a
hearty supper. One doctor says it was apoplexy, another valvular
disease of the heart. He has left me his heir, after providing for
his sister: no one had an idea that he had saved so much money. I am
quite a rich man now. And I shall leave the veterinary business,
which of late--since I took to reading, as you kindly advised--is not
much to my liking The principal corn-merchant here has offered to
take me into partnership; and, from what I can see, it will be a very
good thing and a great rise in life. But, sir, I can't settle to it
at present; I can't settle, as I would wish to anything. I know you
will not laugh at me when I say I have a strange longing to travel for
a while. I have been reading books of travels, and they get into my
head more than any other books. But I don't think I could leave the
country with a contented heart till I have had just another look at
you know whom,--just to see her, and know she is happy. I am sure I
could shake hands with Will and kiss her little one without a wrong
thought. What do you say to that, dear sir? You promised to write to
me about her. But I have not heard from you. Susey, the little girl
with the flower-ball, has had a loss too: the poor old man she lived
with died within a few days of my dear uncle's decease. Mother moved
here, as I think you know, when the forge at Graveleigh was sold; and
she is going to take Susey to live with her. She is quite fond of
Susey. Pray let me hear from you soon; and do, dear sir, give me your