intend to prepare myself, unless you inform me _immediately_ that
the money, L213, cannot be obtained. See Mr Alcock immediately, and
explain this, but tell it to _no other person_, as I should not
like it to be known that I had failed. I expect to know your
intentions at farthest by _Monday_, as I must then give warning to
the Faculty. You must be expeditious, as I can assure you _I_ shall
be. The subject is not difficult, and I think I may be able to
prepare myself for an ordinary examination. Should I find it
_impossible_, I will still reserve to myself, even after you send
the money, the power of withdrawing. The Widows' subscription (as
the Act states) is repayable to those who are rejected or die
before joining, and I presume the entry-money is so too. If it is
_not_, I should insure my life.

"If you consent to my arrangements, you must send me a certificate
of my age--an extract from the Register of Baptisms, or something
of that sort. I suppose Cordiner can give it you....

"Should I not pass my Civil Law trial immediately, I will still
have the satisfaction of passing at some early period, avoiding an
additional L60 which it is intended will be imposed, and from which
no advantage, either real or fortuitous, is to be expected. Now the
Widows' Fund, you know, when one has a widow, will be a very good
sort of thing--L80 per annum, I believe. So if any lady wishes me
to marry her, she had better advise me by all means to join the
scheme. I know of no way of making one's own by it just now but by
marrying some old advocate's widow who is on the list.

"What you do, do quickly. Write me as soon as you can, and
_definitely_, with bill for the money if possible--if not, a plain
statement of its impossibility. I will work hard till I hear from
you. How are you all? I am in good health, and remain, my dear
mother, your affectionate and dutiful son, J. HILL BURTON."

* * * * *

"EDINBURGH, _4th December 1830_.

"MY DEAR MOTHER,--I this morning received your and Mr Alcock's
letters, enclosing a bill for L200 and order for L33, and having no
opportunity to-morrow, I take this occasion to acknowledge receipt
and return thanks. Tell Mr Alcock I am afraid I will never be able
to repay him his kindness in procuring me