this sum upon my very
cavalier notice. With regard to yourself, you know, I suppose, we
have a pretty long account together, and the balance somewhat
against me, as it will always remain.

"I suppose you will have received my hurried note of last night. I
thought you had entirely forgot my L20 amid the other weighty
matters you had to settle for me. I am still preparing and covering
the Civil Law with rapid strides, but to make one's self master of
a subject so intricate in a fortnight is something of a
consideration; however, I do not despair. I am doing my best, and
if I do not use my utmost endeavour, after what has been done for
me by others, I will allow you to call me anything you please.

"Still I beg you will not make yourself too sanguine of my success.
In the meantime tell _no one_, not even Robertson, what I am
attempting, that in the case of my being remitted to my studies
(that is the term), it may not be generally known. I give in my
name for examination on Monday next--it takes place on Tuesday
fortnight. But I do not know when I will be acquainted with the
issue. Do not be afraid that I will confuse or disturb myself much
about it. You know I have been accustomed to such things, as eels
are to be skinned.

"While writing, I have been interrupted by a porter who has come
seething in with a large box. To open a parcel is a most
interesting thing, and the imagination revels with pleasure over
its uncertain contents; but the rich and varied stores of this have
exceeded expectation. I am glad you sent the certificate of
baptism. I do not consider it at all necessary to write by post, as
this goes by a most careful hand; but should I not hear next week
of your having received it, then I _shall_ write by post. Perhaps I
may enclose a receipt to Mr Alcock. He 'hinted,' it seems, 'the
danger of placing so much money,' &c. I have not time to let my
imagination run loose just now, or else I might have pictured to
myself the thousand things which might be done with such a
treasure; but I assure you I never should have thought of anything
(as things now stand) but the intended destination of it, and of
_that_ I shall have enough to think. But you know the fable, or
story rather, of the Priest and the Hostler. I have not time to
tell