I lay it before you in a letter, that you may think it over quietly and reply at your leisure.

I wish to offer you the position of librarian: I am sure I could not find anyone better suited for the post, and certainly there is no man whom I should like so well to see occupying it.

I propose that the salary be a hundred pounds a year, with free tenancy of the dwelling-house at present so dolorously occupied--I am sure it can be made a comfortable abode--and of course, gas and fuel.

I should make arrangements for the necessary cleaning, &c., with some person of the neighbourhood; your own duties would be solely those of librarian and reading-room superintendent.
'The library should be open, I think, from ten to ten, for I want to lose no possibility of usefulness.

If one loafer be tempted to come in and read, the day's object is gained.