It may be that you have been endeavouring to keep pace with some young man of greater fortune than your own. Be not led away by such absurd vanity. The largest income will be and has been squandered, unknown as it were to its possessor, solely from the crime (and a great one too it is) of running into debt. I regret that I cannot assist you at present with the loan you request, and remain
Your affectionate uncle,
T. H. P.
Acknowledging a Letter of Congratulation on the Birth of a Child.
Duke Street, St. James's, Dec. 24th, 187-
Dear ——,
Thanks for your kind letter and good wishes. I am happy to say that my wife and the baby are going on well. I have told Mrs. Compton about Mr. Denville; she is glad to hear so good an account of him. Wishing you all a merry Christmas and a happy New Year,
Believe me,