Except my wife, there is not a friend whom I dare advise with.

I have not once ventured to mention the business at all to my brother, on account of the cursed mysteries and injunctions of secrecy connected with it.

I know he would blame me for ever engaging in it, for he has a very small opinion of the Ballantynes.

I cannot therefore be benefited by his advice.

Mrs.Blackwood, though she always disliked my having any connection with the Ballantynes, rather thinks we should wait a few weeks longer, till we see what is produced.