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14
LETTERS FROM INDIA.

was most charmed to see. I look upon it as a book of reference, and it was a great inconvenience not having a copy in the house. The ‘Pickwicks’ are equally valuable.

Sunday.

We went to church armed, with money to give to a charity sermon that had been advertised for the late fires; and the Archdeacon began with a capital text about wind and fire, but it suddenly turned into a sermon for the Church Missionary Society, which has been quarrelling with other societies; so Fanny and I began halving our rupees, and George tore up his draft of 50l., and wrote another in pencil for 10l.; and the aides-de-camp, who had clearly not listened for the conclusion, whispered to know whether it was a charity they ought to give to; and, in the meanwhile, the service lasted two hours and a half, on one of the very hottest days we have had this year. George came home so hot that he declared he would not stir out again all day. However, he thought better of it, and went out with me in the carriage. —— has set up a new curricle.