Family anxieties have had something to do with my silence as well.

My wife's confinement is close at hand; and, besides this serious anxiety, my second daughter is just engaged to be married.

Until I saw Mr.Clare to-day, these matters so filled my mind that I never thought of writing to you during the one short month which is all that has passed since I got news of your return.

Now I know that my will must be made again, I write instantly.

For God's sake, come on the day when you receive this--come and relieve me from the dreadful thought that my two darling girls are at this moment unprovided for.