over. I very much fear some of the
young rogues are at dice and brandy-pawnee before tiffin. What you
say of young Ridley, I take cum grano. His sketches I thought very
agreeable; but to compare them to a certain gentleman's----Never mind,
I shall not try to make him think too well of himself. I kissed dear
Ethel's hand in your letter. I write her a long letter by this mail.

"'If Paul de Florac in any way resembles his mother, between you and him
there ought to be a very warm regard. I knew her when I was a boy, long
before you were born or thought of; and in wandering forty years
through the world since, I have seen no woman in my eyes so good or so
beautiful. Your cousin Ethel reminded me of her; as handsome, but not so
lovely. Yes, it was that pale lady you saw at Paris, with eyes full of
care, and hair streaked with grey. So it will be the turn of you young
folks, come eight more lustres, and your heads will be bald like mine,
or grey like Madame de Florac's, and bending over the ground where we
are lying in quiet. I understand from you that young Paul is not in
very flourishing circumstances. If he still is in need, mind and be his
banker, and I will be yours. Any child of hers must never want when I
have a spare guinea. I do not mind telling you, sir, that I cared for
her more than millions of guineas once; and half broke my heart about
her when I went to India, as a young chap. So, if any such misfortunes
happen to you, consider, my boy, you are not the only one.

"'Binnie writes me word that he has been ailing. I hope you are a good
correspondent with him. What made me turn to him just after speaking of
unlucky love affairs? Could I be thinking about little Rosie Mackenzie?
She is a sweet little lass, and James will leave her a pretty piece of
money. Verbum sap. I should like you to marry; but God forbid you should
marry for a million of gold mohurs.

"'And gold mohurs bring me to another subject. Do you know I narrowly
missed losing half a lakh of rupees which I had at an agent's here? And
who do you think warned me about him? Our friend Rummun Loll, who
has lately been in England, and with whom I made the voyage from
Southampton. He is a man of wonderful tact and observation. I used to
think meanly of the honesty of natives and treat them haughtily, as
I recollect doing this very gentleman at your Uncle Newcome's in
Bryanstone Square. He heaped coals of fire on my head by saving my money
for me; and I have