appy, and prepared to take a part in the business.

"I have never forgotten that when I, in my youth, returned from a
long absence in foreign parts, Sandsgaard seemed to me an
out-of-the-way and neglected corner of the great world.

"But the experience of life has taught me that a man who is endowed
with a philosophical spirit and high principles, will easily
accommodate himself to whatever fate has prepared for him.

"I venture to hope that even if you should come direct from Paris,
you will not deem Sandsgaard an entirely unworthy residence; for of
late I have renovated and decorated the mansion, so that it seems
only to want a throng of young and happy people to conjure up those
times on which my memory loves to dwell, although clouded by
bereavement and sorrow.

"However, why should I again recall a grief which must always cast
its shadow on my life?

"Let us look forward to the future, which, for you younger people at
all events, seems likely to bring happier days.

"Perhaps, also, in the contemplation of your felicity, I may find
some compensation, and solace for many tears.

"Without doubt, you will have remarked that in our recent
correspondence I have, with a definite purpose, endeavoured to impart
to you such a general knowledge of our business as was practicable,
without being too prolix.

"I look upon you already as my fellow-worker and associate in
labours, for which your letters, and the accounts you have sent me,
as well as the reports of your superiors during your residence
abroad, encourage me to believe that you are not unfitted and still
less unworthy.

"You are aware that the firm has prospered, a matter which a merchant
does not care to talk of, but between us two, I may say that the firm
has met with extraordinary success.

"You will, therefore, find--to your agreeable surprise, I trust--that
many branches of the business which hitherto I had been unable to
develop adequately, by reason of the want of funds, have now, like
plants under a fertilizing shower, made auspicious growth, owing to
the abundance of ready money.

"You will, therefore, on your arrival, find a wide field for your
young energies, and you will be spared the anxiety and care which I,
for many years, unknown to you or to any other person, have
undergone.

"I now come to that point in my letter which may be termed the chief
or cardinal point, namely, our relations with Worse.

"In our correspondence we have never