It would be so nice, dear uncle, to be a shade more intimate.
Ah, well! let us see what he writes: "BOURGES, December 31, 1884.
"MY DEAR NEPHEW: "The approach of the New Year does not find me with the same sentiments with which it leaves you.

I make up my yearly accounts from July 31st, so the advent of the 31st of December finds me as indifferent as that of any other day of the said month.

Your repinings appear to me the expressions of a dreamer.
"It would, however, not be amiss if you made a start in practical life.

You come of a family not addicted to dreaming.

Three Mouillards have, if I may say so, adorned the legal profession at Bourges.