Part 24

* * * * *

And now, dear Christopher, I draw towards the close of this long letter, without having been able even to touch upon several other "_Things_" which I had noted down for observation and comment. As my letter draws to a close, so also draws rapidly to a close my seaside sojourn. My hours of relaxation are numbered. I must return to the busy scenes of the metropolis, and resume my interrupted duties. And you, too, have returned to the scene of your renown, the sphere of your honourable and responsible duties. May your shadow never grow less! _Floreat Maga!_ I have done. The old postman, wet through in coming over the hills, is waiting for my letter, and, having finished his beer, is fidgeting to be off. "What! can't you spare me one five minutes more?" "No, sir--impossible--I ought to have been at----an hour ago"

Farewell then, dear Christopher, Your faithful friend, AN OLD CONTRIBUTOR.

FOOTNOTES:

[66] Speech of Sir R. Peel at the Tamworth election, pp. 4, 5.--Ollivier, Pall-Mall.

[67] _Ibid._ pp. 8, 9.

* * * * *

Transcribers notes:

Maintained original spelling and punctuation.

Silently corrected a few typesetting errors.