t go and dine with him soon,
as he has something to say to me. He says that he has requested Mr
Barker to allow Harriet to learn music, as he hears she has a taste
for it. He hopes that dear Harriet will come to London some time or
other and play to him, as music is his passion. I cannot describe to
you how kind his manner is, nor how dearly I love the very sight of
this good man. And yet even he does not escape slander. I have heard
it said, often and often, that he is a perfect tyrant to his
inferiors, that as long as he is treated with deference, he is
unwearied in kindness, but that the least opposition enrages him, and
that once displeased he is an irreconcilable enemy. Of course I
believe nothing of all this, and have shewn no little indignation when
I have heard such things said. What a world it must be, when such a
man as Mr Rathbone is slandered! I do not intend to be curious about
what he has to say to me till the time comes. Perhaps he will tell me
what was the nature of the service which my dear father rendered him.
But I will not think more of the matter: it may be only a trifle after
all.

"I am very sorry to conclude, but I must be off to bed; it is very
late, and I must be at the warehouse two hours sooner than usual
to-morrow. I hope you will be satisfied with what I send you, and
that Harriet will be pleased at her musical prospects. Farewell, all
of you; let me hear soon, and believe me,--

"Your very affectionate brother,--

"Charles Forsyth.

"P.S. I have now received a note from Mr Rathbone, in which he says
that he and Mrs R. are obliged to leave town for some weeks: and that
therefore they must defer seeing me at present. He asks whether
Alfred has ever shewn any taste for mathematics, and expresses his
hope that his attention will be directed that way without delay. What
can this mean? You had better ask Mr Barker."

Mr Barker was no better able to guess Mr Rathbone's designs than
Charles himself; so they were all obliged to wait in patience till their
kind friend should return to town, which did not take place till the
following autumn. In the mean time, however, his directions were
observed, and Alfred began to learn mathematics.

Jane and Isabella had so little time now for the employment which their
brother had provided for them, that March was past before another box
was prepared for Mr Blyth. Their brother