Sir--We have great pleasure in making known to you, that upon the
demise of Mr. Sholto Campbell, of Wexton Hall, Cumberland, which
took place on the 19th ultimo, the entailed estates, in default of
more direct issue, have fallen to you, as nearest of kin; the
presumptive heir having perished at sea, or in the East Indies, and
not having been heard of for twenty-five years. We beg to be the
first to congratulate you upon your accession to real property
amounting to L14,000 per annum. No will has been found, and it has
been ascertained that none was ever made by the late Mr. Sholto
Campbell. We have, therefore, put seals upon the personal property,
and shall wait your pleasure. We can only add, that if in want of
professional advice, and not being already engaged, you may command
the services of
Your most obedient,
HARVEY, PAXTON, THORPE, & Co.
"What can be the matter, my dear?" exclaimed Mrs. Campbell, who had
perceived most unusual agitation in her husband's countenance.
Mr. Campbell made no reply, but handed the letter to his wife.
Mrs. Campbell read it, and laid it down on the table.
"Well, my dear!" exclaimed Mr. Campbell, joyfully, and starting up from
his chair.
"It is a sudden shock, indeed," observed Mrs. Campbell, thoughtfully and
slowly. "I have often felt that we could bear up against any adversity.
I trust in God, that we may be as well able to support prosperity, by
far the hardest task, my dear Campbell, of the two."
"You are right, Emily," replied Mr. Campbell, sitting down again; "we
are, and have long been, happy."
"This sudden wealth can not add to our happiness, my dear husband; I
feel it will rather add to our cares; but it may enable us to add to the
happiness of others; and with such feelings, let us receive it with
thankfulness."
"Very true, Emily; but still we must do our duty in that station of life
to which it has pleased God to call us. Hitherto I have by my profession
been of some benefit to my fellow-creatures; and if in my change of
condition I no more leave my warm bed to relieve their sufferings, at
all events, I shall have the means of employing others so to do. We must
consider ourselves but as the stewards of Him who has bestowed this
great wealth upon us, and employ it as may be acceptable to His
service."
"There my husband spoke as I felt he would," said Mrs. Campbell, rising
up, and embracing him. "Those who feel as you do can never be too rich."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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