st of all, after the repeated promises
he had made! I said, there must now be an end of Confidence between us,
so far as _that_ was concerned, and I would so far trouble myself about
him no more. But when I came to reflect that this was but an outbreak
among old friends on an old occasion, after (I do believe) months of
sobriety; that there was no concealment about it; and that though
obstinate at first as to how little drunk, &c., he was very repentant
afterwards--I cannot let this one flaw weigh against the general good of
the man. I cannot if I would: what then is the use of trying? But my
confidence in _that_ respect must be so far shaken, and it vexes me to
think that I can never be _sure_ of his not being overtaken so. I
declare that it makes me feel ashamed very much to play the Judge on one
who stands immeasurably above me in the scale, whose faults are better
than so many virtues. Was not this very outbreak that of a great genial
Boy among his old Fellows? True, a Promise was broken. Yes: but if the
Whole Man be of the Royal Blood of Humanity, and do Justice in the Main,
what are _the people_ to say? _He_ thought, if he thought at all, that
he kept his promise in the main. But there is no use talking: unless I
part company wholly, I suppose I must take the evil with the good.

"Well, Winter will soon be here, and no more 'Suffolk' Bowling-greens.
Once more I want you to help in finding me a lad, or boy, or lout, who
will help me to get through the long Winter nights--whether by cards or
reading--now that my eyes are not so up to their work as they were. I
think they are a _little_ better: which I attribute to the wearing of
these hideous Goggles, which keep out Sun, Sea, Sand, &c. But I must
not, if I could, tax them as I have done over books by lamplight till
Midnight. Do pray consider this for me, and look about. I thought of a
sharp lad--that son of the Broker--if he could read a little decently he
would do. Really one has lived quite long enough.

"--will be very glad to show you his place at any time. His Wife is
really a very nice Lady, and his Boy one of the nicest I have seen these
30 years. He himself sees wonderful things: he saw 2 sharks (supposed by
Newson to be Sweet Williams) making love together out of the water at
Covehithe; and a shoal of Porpoises tossing up a Halibut into the Air and
catching it again. You may imagine Newson's demure face listening to all
this, and his comme