her in New York anywhere near her age who can touch
her. They say every one asked about her in London when she went out
with her sister in English society, and I don't wonder. You know she
has a tall crown of diamonds--tiaras, they call them--I've always been
ashamed to tell you before! She came home with it from Tiffany's one
day, and said it was my birthday present to her, and I let it go at
that. Well, last night no Duchess could have worn the same sort of
thing any better. The young one, too, looked as pretty as a ----
whatever you like, only it must be damned pretty! It was her first
ball, you know; she's a ----, you know what, it's her first time in
society. She had more bouquets than Patti used to get when you and I
were running about town. And she was as unconcerned about it! She's
fashionable enough--I only hope she isn't too much so. I don't want her
to marry this young Lord who's hanging around, and I say so three times
a day. The "young'un" says I'd better wait till he's asked her, but I
don't dare. Julia's fixed on it. She won't even argue with me, so you
can imagine how determined she is. But I want my daughter to marry an
American, and live in her own home where her father and mother live.
One thing, I know: most of these marrying foreigners that come over
here want money, and I'll be hanged if I'll give the young'un a penny
if she takes this one. I mean it. I give you my word. He led the
cotillon with her last night. I wouldn't watch it. I staid in my den
and helped smoke the cigars. None better! I can tell you that!

Well, good bye, old man. If you hear of any thing good out your way to
drop a couple of hundred thousand in, let me know--better wire me.
Politics have played the deuce with my Utahs. Julia sends her love, and
wants me to enclose you yards of newspaper clippings about the party.
Ha! Ha! Not by a damn sight! It's enough that I was bored to death by
it! The "young'un" often speaks of you. She is getting togged out to go
with her mother and do the town in the way of At Homes and such things.
What a life! Yet they seem to enjoy it, and pity us. Us! In Wall
street! The Elysian Fields of America! Can I do anything for you here?
You know I am always glad of a chance.

Your affectionate brother,

WILL.

How about that girl you were running after? Why don't you give it all
up? You know what a bad lot she is. Settle down and marry. It's the
only real happiness. Believe your old brother.

II