'MY DEAR SAM,' ran the letter, 'you need not be so very impatient. I
was only waiting till the whole affair was concluded to write to you. I
have heard this morning from the broker I have employed. The purchase
of the shares is concluded, and very advantageously I think. Your dear
girls may expect, I think, pretty fortunes in time; but don't _say a
word about it to them_, in case of disappointment. I've transacted
the whole business without you, because I don't want you to turn your
thoughts from your own affairs, and, more or less, your attention would
have been distracted from them by dabbling in these railway matters.
I've managed it all very well. The broker I employ is, I am told, an
honest, trustworthy fellow, and I have given him orders to _sell out_
when the shares are at what he considers a fair premium. So you will
have nothing to do with the matter, you see, which is what I wish, for
I fear you are rather disposed to speculate; and if once you get into
the way of these railways, perhaps you may be led on further than you
originally intended. And you needn't be disappointed; for instead of
_lending_ you the money, I _give it_ to the two dear girls, and all
that may accrue to it when these shares are sold. I hope it will be a
good sum: they have my blessing with it; but, as I said before, don't
_say a word to them_ till you give them the money. Enclosed are the
documents connected with the shares.--Yours faithfully,