pathy I sit down to say a word
more about India.--I do hope you have not yet given Lady Spencer a
decisive answer, as the horizon seems a little to clear of its
indigenous hurricanes. Since my last letter to you I have, I can
truly say, made every effort to speak like a man, but, alas I too
unsuccessfully: my tongue seems only able to say veto to the
Church, and that speaking is a necessary qualification "needs no
demonstration." Aunt Fanny has strongly recommended me to think
more seriously about it, and Mr. M'Neile has also given me his
valuable opinion on the subject, that at least I must inquire what
I am more fitted for, and not lightly put aside those opportunities
which Providence places in my way. However, I would by no means be
hurried in my choice either way: I must inquire what is the office
of a writer; whether oratorical powers be not requisite, &c., for
as yet I have a very vague and indefinite idea of what I reject or
choose. I really do find my impediment most truly a grievous
impediment to what appears more desirable; but I would wish to
consider this, as every other constitutional infirmity or
affliction, as but an instrument in the hands of God to subserve
some wise purpose. Let this letter therefore, if you please, serve
as a preventive, if not too late, to your final decision about it,
and put me, my dear father, in possession of more of the peculiar
features, in a writer's employment if you can, I hope to be with
you on Friday.

Till then, and ever believe me, my dear father, your affectionate
son,

M.F. Tupper.

Albury, _December 28th, Wednesday._

The day after I took my degree as a barrister, I married my cousin after
a nine years' engagement; my father having resolved I should not marry
without a profession. I did my best at this vocation of the law much
against the grain, and actually achieved, with Lewin's help, a
voluminous will, and a marriage settlement, with some accessory deeds,
procured for me by my mother's friend Mr. Hunt, through one Dangerfield,
a solicitor. I have often felt anxious to know how far my conveyancing
held water; but the thought of Lewin's skill has comforted me--and
besides I have never heard a word about it now for half a century. My
fee for all was fifty guineas--pretty well for a f