I.
“My Dear Madam:—Duty compels me to inform
you that the claims of Mr. Quid upon the estate of
your deceased kinsman, Truman Bodgers, Esq., of
which I have already given you brief advisement,
are very strong. He has shown to me, in connection
with my legal adviser, papers which appear to
establish, beyond doubt, the rights of his son, as
heir at law. Deeply distressing as this event must
be to both branches of the Bodgers family, I see
no resource. I would advise you, therefore, to
limit your expenses accordingly, as the usual annuity,
which I believe you have been in the habit of
receiving through the generosity of Mr. Bodgers,
will now be cut off. I trust you will bear the
reverse with resolution.
“I have further to state, that in view of the
strong nature of the claims of Mr. Quid, and in
order to avoid the cost of a long suit, which might
in the end prove profitless, I have entertained some
propositions from Mr. Quid, with the view of effecting
a compromise. He proposes to assign to you a
life-lease of the old Bodgers homestead; in which
event you might judiciously dispose of your present
property; to Mrs. Fudge he proposes to make an
assignment of a certain amount of stocks, reckoned
equivalent to the above.
“I have written to Squire Bivins upon the same
subject; and as your consent will be necessary to
such a settlement, I must beg of you an early
reply.
“N. B.—As there has been, I understand, some
loose mention, in certain quarters, of the existence
of a will, it is best to inform you that whatever
engagements of the kind stated might be entered
into would be conditional, and would not debar the
prosecution of any claim, which might be based
upon writings, in the nature of a will, subsequently
brought to light.”
In contrast with this cool, man-of-business letter,
I now offer a second, being addressed by Miss Kitty,
our pleasant little cousin, who wears her heart wide
open, to Miss Jemima Fudge, our poetic friend, of
the Blimmer experience:
