WYLDER'S HAJVD.
247
I have just seen by accident the announcement of the
marriage at Brandon. I think as my friend, and a friend
to the Brandon family, you ought to have done something
to delay, if you could not stop it. Any way. it was your
duty to have printed some notice that the thing was
thought of. If you had put it, like a bit of news, in
"Galignani," I would have seen it, and known what to
do. Well, that ship's blew up. But I won't let all go.
The cur will begin to try for the county or for Dolling-
ton. You must quietly stop that, mind; and if he per-
sists. just you put an advertisement in " Galignani," say-
ing, Mr. Smith will take notice, that the other party is
desirous to purchase and becoming very pressing. Just
you hoist that signal, and somebody will bear down, and
blaze into him at all hazards — you'll see how. Things
have gone quite smooth with me since; but it won't be
long till I run up my flag again and take the command.
Be perfectly civil with Stanley Lake till I come on board
— that is indispensable; and keep this letter as close from
every eye as sealed orders. You may want a trifle to
baulk S. L.'s electioneering, and there's an order on Lake
for 200/. Don't trifle about the county and borough.
He must have no footing in either till I return.
"Yours, dear Larkin.
"Very truly
"(but look after my business better),
"M. Wylder."
The order on Lake, a little note, was enclosed : —
"Dear Lake, — I wish you joy, and all the good
wishes going, as I could not make the prize myself.