wait for Lord D.'s letter. Don't believe I have been idle; I have
been writing very long letters to him, and all about you. How can
you think that I will give an answer about the house until I hear
from London?--that is quite impossible; and I believe you are a
little out of your senses to imagine I can be in Edinburgh before
the twelfth of next month. O, my dear sir, no--you must not think
of it this _great while_. I am much flattered by your mother's
remembrance; present my respectful compliments to her. You don't
mention your father in your last _anxious_ letter--I hope he is
better. I am expecting every day to hear from my brother. You may
tell your uncle he is Commercial Resident at Salem. He will find
the name of Charles C. in his India list. My compliments to
Captain Scott. _Sans adieu_,

C. C.

TO THE SAME.

CARLISLE, October 25.

Indeed, Mr. Scott, I am by no means pleased with all this
writing. I have told you how much I dislike it, and yet you still
persist in asking me to write, and that by return of post. O, you
really are quite out of your senses. I should not have indulged
you in that whim of yours, had you not given me that hint that my
silence gives an air of mystery. I have no reason that can
detain {p.258} me in acquainting you that my father and mother
were French, of the name of Charpentier; he had a place under
government; their residence was at Lyons, where you would find on
inquiries that they lived in good repute and in _very good
style_. I had the misfortune of losing my father before I could
know the value of such a parent. At his death we were left to the
care of Lord D., who was his very great friend; and very soon
after I had the affliction of losing my mother. Our taking the
name of Carpenter was on my brother's going to India, to prevent
any little difficulties that might have occurred. I hope now you
are pleased. Lord D. could have given you every information, as
he has been acquainted with all my family. You say you almost
love _him_; but until your _almost_ comes to a _quite_, I cannot
love _you_. Before I conclude this famous epistle, I will give
you a little hint--that is, not to put so many _musts_ in your
letters--it is b