I am very sorry to trouble your mind with anything unpleasant, but a great change has taken place since the articles were signed and the premium paid down. All the being on liking has come to a sudden end. Mr. and Mrs. G. have thrown off their masks, and he is a cruel tyrant; and instead of being another mother to me, she is quite the reverse. I little thought the moment I became an apprentice I should be a complete slave, and work like a horse. Nothing but drawing, drawing, drawing, as long as it’s light--and next week we begin lamps. I’ve no over-hours at all except in bed, and that’s up in the back garret, and nothing but an old flock as hard as wood. My being a parlour boarder is all over; and as to sitting up to music and supper, I can’t repeat, but I’m d--d up at night that I may be down in the morning. They have not sent me as yet to take my meals in the kitchen, but I would almost as soon, for I’m snubb’d if I open my lips at table; and the moment the wine comes on I’m expected to be off, and am reminded if I don’t. As for the visitors, they take no more notice of me than they do of the foot-boy; but what goes most to my heart is, Mr. and Mrs. G. never ask now after your delicate health. It’s very ungrateful after paying so handsomely, but it’s my belief he doesn’t know anything about architecture, and only takes in young gentlemen for the sake of their premiums. I can t help feeling very unhappy, when I think I’ve got to run seven years to come, and do wish you would ask Uncle William, as he’s a lawyer, whether I can’t be turned over by legal law, or cancelled and left to my liberty. Next to an architect, I should like, if was unbound, to be an author, and write books; which I hope you will approve of, as it doesn’t require any premium. But perhaps you would like to have me at home, and to be nothing at all, with which I remain, My dear mother, your dutiful and affectionate son, RICHARD RUGGLES.