Fred, as the eldest twin, will have the estate, I suppose, and such a splendid one it is! A city house in a fashionable street, not so showy as our big houses, but twice as comfortable and full of solid luxury, such as English people believe in.

I like it, for it's genuine.

I've seen the plate, the family jewels, the old servants, and pictures of the country place, with its park, great house, lovely grounds, and fine horses.

Oh, it would be all I should ask! And I'd rather have it than any title such as girls snap up so readily, and find nothing behind.

I may be mercenary, but I hate poverty, and don't mean to bear it a minute longer than I can help.