book2

LETTER TO CHARLES. 43
history of all that had happened to him since
their separation. He told him in how many
different places his father had resided, what
schools he had himself attended,
what progress
he had made
in his studies, who his companions
and playmates were, what cities and strange
sights he had seen, and what he meant to do for
a livelihood. In short, he gave him a history of
himself. It was well written, and, I have no
doubt, gratefully received by Charles.
It was a
valuable birthday gift to an absent friend.
This last letter occupied more time than Henry
had expected it would ; for, though he began it
before seven, it was now more than half-past
eight o'clock when he finished
it,
and the fore
noon was fast passing away. It would be nine
o'clock by the time he had deposited his letters