use the
pruning-knife in our gardens here, there, we may lay the axe to the root
of the oak; and yet, in this commonwealth of labour, the gentleman,
if his claim to the title be really well founded, is as certain of
maintaining a position of superiority as though he had remained in his
own country. The Vernons, the Greys, and the Courtenays, have never
ceased to hold a peculiar place among their fellow-citizens of the
United States; and so is it observable in our colonies, even where mere
wealth was found in the opposite scale.

But let me not longer dwell on these things, nor indulge in speculations
which lead to hope! Let me rather reflect on my present position, and
calculate calmly by what economy I may be able to linger on, and not
exhaust the means, till the lamp of life is ready to be quenched.

I am sure that most men of easy, careless temperament, could live as
well on one half of their actual incomes, having all that they require,
and never feeling any unusual privation; that the other half is
invariably "_mange_" by one's servants, by tradespeople, by cases of
mock distress, by importunity, and by indolence. I well know how I
am blameable upon each of these several counts. Now, for a note to my
banker here, to ascertain what sum he holds of mine; and then, like the
shipwrecked sailor on his raft, to see how long life may be sustained on
half or quarter rations!

So, here is the banker's letter:--"I have the honour to acknowledge,"
and so on. The question at issue is the sum--and here it stands: Three
hundred and forty-two pounds, twelve shillings, and fourpence. I really
thought I had double the amount; but here I find checks innumerable. I
have, no doubt, given to many, now far richer than I am. Be it so.
The next point is--How long can a man live on three hundred and forty
pounds? One man would say, Three weeks--another, as many months--and
another, as many years, perhaps. I am totally ignorant what guidance to
follow.

In this difficulty I shall send for Dr. Hennesy--he is the man in repute
here--and try, if it may be, to ascertain what length of tether he
ascribes to my case. Be it a day, a week, or a month, let me but know
it. And now to compose myself, and speak calmly on a theme where the
slightest appearance of excitement would create erroneous suspicions
against me. If H. be the man of sense I deem him, he will not
misconstrue my meaning, even should he guess it.

Gilbert reminds me of what I h