clesiastical state; my daughter is herself a mother. I remember
this was your birthday; I have made myself a little fete in celebrating
it, after how many years of absence, of silence! Comtesse De Florac.
(Nee L. de Blois.)"

III. "My Dear Thomas,--Mr. Sneid, supercargo of the Ramchunder, East
Indiaman, handed over to us yesterday your letter, and, to-day, I have
purchased three thousand three hundred and twenty-three pounds 6 and 8d.
three per cent Consols, in our joint names (H. and B. Newcome), held for
your little boy. Mr. S. gives a very favourable account of the little
man, and left him in perfect health two days since, at the house of his
aunt, Miss Honeyman. We have placed 200 pounds to that lady's credit, at
your desire.

"Lady Anne is charmed with the present which she received yesterday,
and says the white shawl is a great deal too handsome. My mother is also
greatly pleased with hers, and has forwarded, by the coach to Brighton,
to-day, a packet of books, tracts, etc., suited for his tender age, for
your little boy. She heard of you lately from the Rev. T. Sweatenham on
his return from India. He spoke of your kindness,--and of the hospitable
manner in which you had received him at your house, and alluded to you
in a very handsome way in the course of the thanksgiving that evening.
I dare say my mother will ask your little boy to the Hermitage; and when
we have a house of our own, I am sure Anne and I will be very happy to
see him. Yours affectionately, Major Newcome. B. Newcome."

IV. "My Dear Colonel,--Did I not know the generosity of your heart, and
the bountiful means which Heaven has put at your disposal in order to
gratify that noble disposition; were I not certain that the small sum I
required will permanently place me beyond the reach of the difficulties
of life, and will infallibly be repaid before six months are over,
believe me I never would have ventured upon that bold step which our
friendship (carried on epistolarily as it has been), our relationship,
and your admirable disposition, have induced me to venture to take.

"That elegant and commodious chapel, known as Lady Whittlesea's, Denmark
Street, Mayfair, being for sale, I have determined on venturing my
all in its acquisition, and in laying, as I hope, the foundation of a
competence for myself and excellent sister. What is a lodging-house at
Brighton but an uncertain maintenance? The mariner on the sea before
those cliffs is no more su