YOUNG LADY'S PORTRAIT OF HER BROTHER.]

It is a very common thing for me to receive all sorts and conditions of
curious letters from all sorts of people. The following, sent to me from
the Colonies, is worth reprinting:

"DEAR SIR,--I have taken the liberty to address you upon a little
matter, and earnestly hope you will exert and use your influence on
my behalf to the utmost of your ability. I am a young man
twenty-three years of age, of good family, handsome, worth in stock
and cash about L18,000. I intend coming to reside in dear Old
England permanently (the land of my birth) as soon as I can dispose
of my property and stock to an advantage here. I came out to Africa
as a youngster, and have remained here ever since. I've not had an
opportunity even of paying a visit to England. Will you be good
enough to try and induce some young lady to correspond with me with
a view to matrimony? I should like to get married upon my arrival,
and live in joyful anticipation of meeting my love at the docks or
station. I am well aware that I am transgressing the rules of good
breeding and etiquette by my familiarity and audacity, but the fact
is I am totally unacquainted in the city and know of no one else in
whom I could put implicit faith and confidence with regard to so
delicate a matter. Pardon me, therefore, dear sir, if I have been
in any way intrusive or have unwillingly offended you. I have had
scores of favourable opportunities to get married here, but, to
tell the plain truth, I would sooner die than marry anybody not of
my own nationality. She must have a lady's blood in her veins, and
born and bred in the auld country, or I'll die a confirmed old
bachelor. The society of these Cape girls is somewhat detestable to
me, and their ways, looks, figure, dress, education, refinement,
and accomplishments are not to be compared to Old England's. Hoping
I've not occupied too much of your valuable time, and trusting to
hear from you at your earliest convenience or opportunity, with
kind regards, I beg to remain,

"Yours truly,
"----."

[Illustration: WAITING.]

I was puzzled to know what to do with this letter--I really felt for my
correspondent. I therefore printed his request in a London letter I was
writing at the ti