"How foolish in you to expect Mr. Hunt to make you any such
proposition. He never will, though Mr. Edwards seems sure he will. What
do you care when he called? Call it the day before I wrote last....
"One little matter of business. You request me not to act for Mrs.----.
If you expect me not only to transact your business, but also not to
transact any for anybody else, you will see the necessity of your
charging yourself with the support of my family, largely dependent on
my business income for their thrice daily bread....
"As to writing for 'The Heretic,' you doubtless desire my opinion,
though diffidence or something prevents your saying so. If it was not
a dream of yours that they offered you a million, tell them you will
accept that proposition. If you don't publish something soon, I have
no doubt you will have a congestion of the intellect.
"The 'Respectability' is nothing compared with 'The Heretic.' As you
write under your own signature you will not be responsible for the rest
of the paper. You want the pay,--to lend to your friends, who will
increase, as your capacity to lend is known to increase.
"And now farewell; and don't expect any such letter from Hunt, though
he may probably write something."