XI.

MRS. RAMSBOTTOM WRITES FROM DIEPPE.

Dippe, January 1, 1826.

DEAR MR. B.,--You have not heard from any on us for a long time--indeed I have no spirts to write to any body, for Lavy has been very mal indeed--we are stopping at Dippe, so called as you know, from being a bathing-place, for I am worried to death.

Our house in Montague-place, which since dear Mr. Ram's disease I cannot think of stopping in, is still to let, which is so much waste of money--it is a nice house, open behind to the Mewseum Jordans, and in front all the way to Highgate; but I cannot get it off my hands. As for Mr. Ram's little property in Gloucestershire, I never can go there, for my lawyer tells me, although we might live there if we like, that one of Mr. Ram's creditors has got a lion on the estate, and I cannot think of going to expose myself to the mercy of a wild cretur like that a running about--however, as the French says, "_jamais esprit_,"--never mind--I cannot help it.

My son Tom, who is a groin up, is to be in the law himself, indeed I have put him out to Grazing,[13] under a specious pleader--I should like him to be apprenticed to the Lord Chancellor at once, and brought up to the business regular, but I don't know how to get it managed--do you think Mr. Harmer could put me in the way of it?

I only write to wish you the full complement of the season--we are a good deal troubled with wind here, but otherwise we are very snug, and there are several high-burning gentlemen of very large property living in Dippe, who are kind enough to dine with us almost every day. I like them--they have no pride at all about them, and, to look at them, you would not think they was worth a Lewy.

I take the advantage of a currier, who is in the Bureau here, and is going over with despatches, just to tell you we are alive--if you know anybody as wants an agreeable Rusin-hurby, do recommend our house in M. P. I have no noose, but am your's unhalterably,

L. D. RAMSBOTTOM.

If you would like to see my dairy continued, I will send you some sheets, which you may print or not, as you choose. Write and say _we oo nong--wooley woo_?