Gregory Marrable, Sir Gregory's
only son, died this morning. I do not doubt but that you
know that he has been long ill. He has come to the end of
all his troubles, and the old baronet is now childless. He
also has been, and is still, unwell, though I do not know
that he is much worse than usual. He has been an invalid
for years and years. Of course he feels his son's death
acutely; for he is a father who has ever been good to his
son. But it always seems to me that old people become so
used to death, that they do not think of it as do we who
are younger. I have seen him twice to-day since the news
was told to him, and though he spoke of his son with
infinite sorrow, he was able to talk of other things.

I write to you myself, especially, instead of getting one
of the ladies here to do so, because I think it proper
to tell you how things stand with myself. Everything is
changed with me since you and I parted because it was
necessary that I should seek my fortune in India. You
already know that I have abandoned that idea; and I now
find that I shall leave the army altogether. My uncle has
wished it since I first came here, and he now proposes
that I shall live here permanently. Of course the meaning
is that I should assume the position of his heir. My
father, with whom I personally will have no dealing in
the matter, stands between us. But I do suppose that the
family affairs will be so arranged that I may feel secure
that I shall not be turned altogether adrift upon the
world.

Dear Mary,--I do not know how to tell you, that as regards
my future everything now depends on you. They have told me
that you have accepted an offer from Mr. Gilmore. I know
no more than this,--that they have told me so. If you will
tell me also that you mean to be his wife, I will say no
more. But until you tell me so, I will not believe it. I
do not think that you can ever love him as you certainly
once loved me;--and when I think of it, how short a time
ago that was! I know that I have no right to complain.
Our separation was my doing as much as yours. But I will
settle nothing as to my future life till I hear from
yourself whether or no you will come back to me.

I shall remain here till after the funeral, which will
take place on Friday. On Monday I shall go back to
Birmingham. This is Sunday, and I shall ex