solitudes are no nearer heaven than
civilisation. My two red friends having escaped and got back, which they
did on purpose to tomahawk me--I gave the tribe the slip, and am here in
New York. There I accidentally received your letter.

"You are a foolish boy. When I was young, I think I would rather have
died than have married a rich woman, even if she loved me, which no
woman ever did. Nevertheless, I hope you will fare better than you
deserve.

"Shall you ever come back to America? Not on my account, I pray, though
I miss you, and am getting old and lonely. Perhaps it is as well that
you left me, and have married and settled. That seems to me now the
happier, worthier life for a man to lead. I should like to come and see
you, if I could come not quite the beggar I am now. Therefore, I often
think I shall go to California."

There was a light movement among the listening group, as Miss Valery was
found quietly to have joined them, and to be leaning over Nathanael's
shoulder. He pointed his finger to the letter that she might read it
with him. She moved her head in thanks, and he continued:

"If in this or any other form of the mad gold-fever I can heap up a
little of that cursed--I mean blessed dust, you may possibly see me in
England. Till then--or till death--which seems equally likely, I remain,

"Your affectionate Uncle,

"Brian Locke Harper.

"P.S.--I send this through Marmaduke Dugdale's late agent in New York.
Tell my old friend Duke that I congratulate him on having given up
merchandising, so that my brother at Kingcombe Holm can no longer
reproach him with being the only one of the Harper connection who
_earns_ a livelihood."

This letter, which was trying to read, being sharp and stinging on many
points to more than one person present, Nathanael went steadily through,
though several times his colour changed. No one made any comment
except Agatha, who observed "that Uncle Brian must be rather bitter and
sarcastic at heart."

"No--not bitter," Anne Valery said,--"only sorrowful. It is often so,
when after a hard life men feel themselves growing old. What shall you
do, Nathanael?"

"About what? His going to California? Nay, I cannot prevent that. What
use in my writing when he gives me such lectures about my marriage?"

"He would not if he knew Agatha. Besides, in this doctrine he is a
little wrong. It is of small moment on which side lies the wealth;--love
makes all things even."

Mr. Harper