Bampton to Frank.

Dear Frank. I have just heard I am to have silk. I hope to get down in a few days to see you in the old house. I received a letter from Cheltenham this morning. Mrs. Leward says she has given orders to the steward at the Greys not to interfere in any way with the Claydon property. She particularly requests that you will undertake the whole control of that and see to all your mother's wants and wishes and look upon the property as your own. She makes only one condition, one which it certainly would not be right or generous in you to refuse, that you shall take sole charge of her page 342son and undertake the whole management and expense of his bringing up and education. She even adds that she will not make it a point that he shall be allowed to see her sometimes, if you insist that he shall not be allowed to do so. She has an idea that you will object to his ever seeing her.

This is a matter for your consideration. I must say to me it seems that although if you accept the offer it will be greatly to the boy's advantage, yet that the latter part of the condition is unreasonable and would be too cruel should you insist upon it.

You can form no idea of her love for Herbert, it surpasses even a mother's ordinary love for an only son, or what the trial will be to her to part with him. It is, however, clearly for the best that you should accept the responsibility, as he is liable to be spoilt at home and he is a boy who requires proper looking after and a manly bringing up. We will talk over the matter fully at Christmas. I expect to be down with you on the 20th by the evening train.

Tell Mr. Saunders they are at me to go into Parliament, and as a feeler I am to make a speech at a big political dinner early in January. Nothing is definitely fixed yet. It will be for the intelligent and liberal electors, after my performance, to decide whether I am to be their candidate at the next election or not.

Fare thee well old man and mind you are as cheerful as possible when I come. I want some quiet amusement I am aweary of these Courts.