lduff that he would go and set that
troublesome Eastern question to rights. As you know nothing of politics,
dear Nelly, and, indeed, are far happier in that ignorance, I shall not
enter upon what, even with the fullest explanation, would only bewilder
you. Enough if you know that we have to out-manouvre the Russians,
baffle the French, and bully the Greeks; and that there is not for the
task Culduff's equal in England. I think I see your astonishment that I
should talk of such themes: they were not certainly the sort of subjects
which once occupied our thoughts: but, my dear Nelly, in linking your
fate to that of a man of high ambition, you accept the companionship of
his intellect, instead of a share in his heart. And, as you well know
I always repudiated the curate and cottage theory, I accept the
alternative without repining. Can I teach you any of this philosophy,
Nelly, and will it lighten the load of your own sorrows to learn how
I have come to bear mine? It is in the worldliness of people generally
lies their chief unhappiness. They will not, as Culduff says, 'accept
the situation.' Now we have accepted it, we submit to it, and, in
consequence, suffer fewer heart-burnings and repinings than our
neighbors. Dear Augustus never had any costly tastes; and as for
yourself, simplicity was your badge in everything. Temple is indeed
to be pitied, for Temple, with money to back him, might have made a
respectable figure in the world and married well; but Temple, a poor
man, must fall down to a second-class legation, and look over the
Minister's larder. Culduff tried, but failed to make something of him.
As C. told him one day, you have only to see Charles Mathews act, to be
convinced that to be a coxcomb a man must be consummately clever; and
yet it is exactly the 'role' every empty fellow fancies would suit him.
T. resented this, well meant as it was, and resigned his secretaryship.
He has gone over to England, but I do not imagine with much prospect of
re-employment.

"Do not think, my dear Nelly, of quitting your present refuge. You are
safe now, and in harbor, and be slow to adventure on that wide ocean
of life where shipwrecks are occurring on every hand. So long as one is
obscure, poverty has no terrors. As Culduff says, you may always wear
a ragged coat in the dark. It is we, who unfortunately must walk in
the noonday, cannot be seen unless in fine raiment. Do not mistake me,
however. I say this without complaint;