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Lang, Andrew, 1844-1912

"Old Friends, Epistolary Parody"

To know how Solomons has behaved,
and the BLACK colours in which Moss (of Wardour Street) has shown
himself, is to receive a new light on the character of a People
chosen under a very different Dispensation! Detainers flock in,
like ravens to a feast. At this moment I have endured the
humiliation of meeting a sneering child of this world--Mr. Arthur
Pendennis--the emissary of one {18} to whom I gave in other days
the sweetest blossom in the garden of my affections--my sister--of
one who has, indeed, behaved like a brother--IN LAW! My word
distrusted, my statements received with a chilling scepticism by
this NABOB Newcome, I am urged to make some "composition" with my
creditors. The world is very censorious, the ear of a Bishop is
easily won; who knows how those who have ENVIED talents not misused
may turn my circumstances to my disadvantage? You will see that,
far from aiding another, I am rather obliged to seek succour
myself. But that saying about the sparrows abides with me to my
comfort. Could aught be done, think you, with a bill backed by our
joint names? On July 12 my pew-rents will come in. I swear to you
that they HAVE NOT BEEN ANTICIPATED. Yours afflictedly,
CHARLES HONEYMAN.
P.S.--Would Jarndyce lend his name to a small bill at three months?
You know him well, and I have heard that he is a man of benevolent
character, and of substance.


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