and began and wrote,
"Independent West Diddlesex Association, June 1822," and "My dear Aunt,"
in the best manner possible. Then I paused a little, thinking what I
should next say; for I have always found that difficulty about letters.
The date and My dear So-and-so one writes off immediately--it is the next
part which is hard; and I put my pen in my mouth, flung myself back in my
chair, and began to think about it.

"Bah!" said Brough, "are you going to be about this letter all day, my
good fellow? Listen to me, and I'll dictate to you in a moment." So he
began:--

"My Dear Aunt,--Since my return from Somersetshire, I am very happy
indeed to tell you that I have so pleased the managing director of our
Association and the Board, that they have been good enough to appoint
me third clerk--"

"Sir!" says I.

"Write what I say. Mr. Roundhand, as has been agreed by the board
yesterday, quits the clerk's desk and takes the title of secretary and
actuary. Mr. Highmore takes his place; Mr. Abednego follows him; and I
place you as third clerk--as

"third clerk (write), with a salary of a hundred and fifty pounds per
annum. This news will, I know, gratify my dear mother and you, who
have been a second mother to me all my life.

"When I was last at home, I remember you consulted me as to the best
mode of laying out a sum of money which was lying useless in your
banker's hands. I have since lost no opportunity of gaining what
information I could: and situated here as I am, in the very midst of
affairs, I believe, although very young, I am as good a person to
apply to as many others of greater age and standing.

"I frequently thought of mentioning to you our Association, but
feelings of delicacy prevented me from doing so. I did not wish that
anyone should suppose that a shadow of self-interest could move me in
any way.

"But I believe, without any sort of doubt, that the West Diddlesex
Association offers the best security that you can expect for your
capital, and, at the same time, the highest interest you can anywhere
procure.

"The situation of the Company, as I have it from _the very best
authority_ (underline that), is as follows:--

"The subscribed and _bona fide_ capital is FIVE MILLIONS STERLING.

"The body of directors you know. Suffice it to say that the managing
director is John Brough, Esq., of the firm of Brough and Hoff,