sets himself to
see only ridicule in what others respect, and to mock the
themes that others regard with reverence. I stop, for I am
afraid to weary you--I dread that, in your impatience, you
will throw this down and read no more--I will only say, and
I say it in all the sincerity of truth, that if you would
endeavour to be morally as great as what your faculties can
make you intellectually, there is no eminence you might not
attain, nor any you would not adorn.

"If our intimacy had not cooled down of late, from what
causes I am unable to tell, to a point in which the first
disagreement must be a breach between us, I would have told
you that I had formed an attachment to Florence Walter, and
obtained her aunt's consent to our marriage; I mean, of
course, at some future which I cannot define, for I have my
way to make in the world, and, up to the present, have only
been a burden on others. We are engaged, however, and we
live on hope. Perhaps I presume too far on any interest you
could feel for me when I make you this communication. It
may be that you will say, 'What is all this to me?' At all
events, I have told you what, had I kept back, would have
seemed to myself an uncandid reservation. Deal with it how
you may.

"There is, however, another reason why I should tell you
this. If you were unaware of the relations which exist
between our friends and myself, you might unconsciously
speak of me in terms which this knowledge would, perhaps,
modify--at least, you would speak without the consciousness
that you were addressing unwilling hearers. You now know the
ties that bind us, and your words will have that
significance which you intend they should bear.

"Remember, and remember distinctly, I disclaim all
pretension, as I do all wish, to conciliate your favour as
regards this matter; first, because I believe I do not need
it; and secondly, that if I asked for, I should be unworthy
of it. I scarcely know how, after our last meeting, I stand
in your estimation, but I am ready to own that if you would
only suffer yourself to be half as good as your nature had
intended you and your faculties might make you, you would be
conferring a great honour on being the friend of yours
truly,

"Joseph Loyd."

"What a can