Hill Street, 9th July, 187-.

   My dear mamma,

I am afraid you will be very much astonished by this letter, and perhaps disappointed.  I have engaged myself to Mr Brehgert, a member of a very wealthy firm in the City, called Todd, Brehgert, and Goldsheiner.  I may as well tell you the worst at once.  Mr Brehgert is a Jew. [This last word she wrote very rapidly, but largely, determined that there should be no lack of courage apparent in the letter.] He is a very wealthy man, and his business is about banking and what he calls finance.  I understand they are among the most leading people in the City.  He lives at present at a very handsome house at Fulham.  I don’t know that I ever saw a place more beautifully fitted...