 a neighbour who
possesses five times that income - His ostentation, far from concealing, serves
only to discover his indigence, and render his vanity the more shocking; for it
attracts the eyes of censure, and excites the spirit of inquiry. There is not a
family in the county, nor a servant in his own house, nor a farmer in the
parish, but what knows the utmost farthing that his lands produce, and all these
behold him with scorn or compassion. I am surprized that these reflections do
not occur to persons in this unhappy dilemma, and produce a salutary effect; but
the truth is, of all the passions incident to human nature, vanity is that which
most effectually perverts the faculties of the understanding; nay, it sometimes
becomes so incredibly depraved, as to aspire at infamy, and find pleasure in
bearing the stigmas of reproach.
    I have now given you a sketch of the character and situation of Mr.
Dennison, when he came down to take possession of this estate; but as the
messenger, who carries the letters to the next town is just setting off, I shall
reserve what further I have to say on this subject, till the next post, when you
shall certainly hear from
Yours always,
                                                                   MATT. BRAMBLE
    Oct. 8.
 

                                  To Dr. Lewis

Once more, dear doctor, I resume the pen for your amusement. - It was on the
morning after our arrival that, walking out with my friend, Mr. Dennison, I
could not help breaking forth into the warmest expressions of applause at the
beauty of the scene, which is really inchanting; and I signified, in particular,
how much I was pleased with the disposition of some detached groves, that
afforded at once shelter and ornament to his habitation.
    »When I took possession of these lands, about two and twenty years ago,
(said he) there was not a tree standing within a mile of the house, except those
of an old neglected orchard, which produced nothing but leaves and moss. - It
was in the gloomy month of November, when I arrived, and found the house in such
a condition, that it might have been justly stiled the tower of desolation. -
The court-yard was covered with nettles and docks, and the garden exhibited such
a rank plantation of weeds as I had never seen before; - the window-shutters
were falling in pieces; - the sashes broken; - and owls and jack-daws had taken
possession of the chimnies. - The prospect within was still more dreary. - All
was dark, and damp, and dirty
