August 30, 1890.
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"WHY NOT LIVE OUT OF LONDON?"
SIR,--Capital subject recently started _Daily Telegraph_, with
the above title. Just what I've been saying to my wife for
years past. "Why don't _you and the family_ live out of
London," I have asked. And she has invariably replied, "Oh,
yes, and what would _you_ be doing in London?" I impress upon
her that being the "bread-winner" (beautiful word, this!) my
duty is to be on the spot where the bread is won. I prove
to her, in figures, that it is much cheaper for her and the
family to live out of town, and for me to come down and
see them, occasionally. Isn't it cheaper for one to go to a
theatre than four? Well, this applies everywhere all round.
With my Club and a good room I could get on very well and very
reasonably in London, and in the country my wife and family
_would positively save enormously_ by my absence, _as only the
necessaries of life would be required_. Dressing would be next
to nothing, so to speak, and they'd be out of reach of the
temptations which London offers to those who love theatre
entertainments, lunches at pastrycooks', shows, and shopping.
Yes, emphatically, I repeat, "Why not live out of London?"
_But she won't._
Yours,