Page 31 (1/1)

Ah, well! let us see what he writes: "BOURGES, December 31, 1884

"MY DEAR NEPHEW: "The approach of the New Year does not find me with the same sentiments hich it leaves you I make up my yearly accounts from July 31st, so the advent of the 31st of December finds me as indifferent as that of any other day of the said s appear to me the expressions of a dreamer

"It would, however, not be amiss if you made a start in practical life You co Three Mouillards have, if I es You will be the fourth

"As soon as you have taken your doctor's degree-which I presu--I shall expect you the very next day, or the day after that at the furthest; and I shall place you underoff, I can assure you In spite of age, I still possess good eyes and good teeth, the chief qualifications for a lawyer You will find everything ready and in good order here

"I aood wishes, which I entirely reciprocate

"Your affectionate uncle, "BRUTUS MOUILLARD"

"P S--The Lorinet family have been to see me Mademoiselle Berthe is really quite pretty They have just inherited 751,351 francs

"I was e thereto"

Yes,to the foreeh to reckon one between Mademoiselle Berthe Lorinet, spinster, of no occupation, and M Fabien Mouillard, lawyer "Fabien Mouillard, lawyer"--that I may perhaps endure, but "Fabien Mouillard, son-in-law of Lorinet," never! One pays too dear for these rich wives Mademoiselle Berthe is half a foot taller than I, who am moderately tall, and she has breadth in proportion Moreover, I have heard that her wit is got in proportion I saw her when she was seventeen, in a short frock of staring blue; she was very thin then, and was escorted by a brother, squeezed inside a schoolboy's suit; they were out for their first walk alone, both red-faced, flurried, shuffling along the sidewalks of Bourges That was enough For ait Recollections, raphs; and this one is a distinct negative to your designs