The Gentleman's Model Letter-writer Part 6

_From a Father to his Son beginning the World._

Hampstead, May 6th, 187-

MY DEAREST SON,

Separated as you will shortly be from your childhood's home--for many years, perhaps--and not having your poor old father to consult and obtain advice from, when any difficulties may arise, you will naturally be inclined to appeal to those among your acquaintances whom you may consider from intimate a.s.sociation as ent.i.tled to the name of friends.

Now this is a matter in which you must observe the very greatest caution and discrimination; a mistake made in selecting a friend and acting up to his advice, is a fatal one, and no one can for a moment form an idea of the consequences which may arise from it. In the first place, do not seek the friendship of the "fast young man"

whose sole thought is to gratify himself in the enjoyment of this world's pleasures, without any regard to the misery or disgrace his conduct may be entailing on a happy, innocent family. Make friends of those who, by their actions, have raised themselves in the estimation of their superiors, and are regarded with eyes of jealous admiration by their equals. Remember the old proverb, "Tell who are your friends, and I will tell you what you are."

I hope, dear boy, your own good sense will lead you to avoid bad companions. Should you ever (which I trust may never be the case) be tempted to do anything contrary to the laws of honour or of duty, question yourself thus: "Should I do this in my father's house?

should I act thus in my mother's presence?" The answer will be the best talisman to keep you from falling in your combat with the world.

We have great hopes in you, my dear son. Never omit to write to your dear mother and myself, when you possibly can; and with our best and fondest love,

Believe me,

Ever your affectionate father,

_From a Son who has misconducted himself towards his Employer, to his Father._

Eastcheap, November 18th, 187-

DEAR FATHER,

I am in such distress I scarcely know how to commence my letter.

Without the least reason, without the least provocation, I left my master at the most busy season, just for a temporary, trifling amus.e.m.e.nt. He--the best of masters--for the moment was forgotten by me: self predominated. I ran away from my service, and here I find myself disgraced and miserable, and grieve to think how indescribably shocked you will be when Mr. Evans communicates with you relative to my absence. However, dear father, there is one consolation: I cannot be accused of dishonesty; so I hope my character is not irretrievably ruined. Will you see my master, and tell him how deeply I regret my fault, and entreat him to forgive me? It shall hereafter be my constant study to perform my duty in the most upright manner, and with the most a.s.siduous attention. Let me hear also, dear father, in sending me Mr. Evans's reply, that you also forgive

Your erring, but heartbroken son,

H. H. H.

_The Father's Answer._

Bedhampton, November 21st, 187-

MY DEAR SON,

Words cannot express my grief at the receipt of your letter. How can you so soon have forgotten all the home lessons of duty you have learned? What society can you have mingled in to have caused you to be guilty of such folly? I have seen your master, and read him your letter; and he agrees with myself that from the manner you have acted in immediately informing me of your position, it is probable you may, in an untoward moment, have been induced to commit an act which you will never cease to regret. It is your first offence, and he bids me say he rejoices that you are sensible of your grievous error, and he will allow you to return, and never mention what has occurred to you. Never, dear son, forget yourself again, be grateful to your master, who is charity itself, and

Believe me,

Your affectionate father,

_A Father applying to a Princ.i.p.al of a School to ascertain Terms, &c._

Hopwood House, June 16th, 187-

SIR,

Being desirous of sending my son, aged thirteen, to school, my friends have strongly recommended me to apply to you on the subject.

I should be glad to learn your terms, and to be informed as to your plan of tuition.

Will you favour me with a prospectus of your School, and also inform me whether you have a vacancy?

I remain,

Yours faithfully,

_To a Child who has being guilty of telling a Falsehood._

Brecon, May 14th, 187-

MY DEAR SAMUEL,

I was much grieved to find after you had left us in the early part of the week, that the replies you gave me relative to your acquaintance with the L----s were utterly at variance with the truth. Little did I think you would ever deceive us, when such confidence has been always placed in you. Why did you try to deceive me by a falsehood?

Let me entreat of you never again to deviate from the truth; should you do so you will soon obtain a character as an untrustworthy person, and no one will believe you, even when you speak the truth.

Every one will shun you, as they will always suspect that you are trying to deceive them; even when you are acting rightly they will look upon you with suspicion.

Have you forgotten that Truth is the point of honour in a gentleman, and that no one can tell a falsehood and retain the character of one?

I cannot tell you the shame I felt when I discovered your untruth; I felt degraded by it.

Strive to retrieve your character in the future, by perfect truthfulness and a high sense of what honour requires from you.

Till I believe that you feel the enormity of your fault I cannot sign myself other than

Your afflicted father,