1777 THE NEW PARLOUE TILED 15 



truth I did not know but that this expatiating scheme 

 might depend upon another, and that you was preparing 

 to exhibit to us Benedict the married man. I knew such a 

 venture was too delicate to be explained even to an old 

 friend, till it was quite resolved upon ; and then like 

 January you would have called your council about you. 

 I hope it is better as it is, though I declare I should have 

 spoken with Placebo and not with Justin. 



" Let me, however, know how matters are going with 

 you; and whether, if an opportunity offered of my calling 

 upon you, I should have nothing but a Hod for a Hammock. 

 I feel awkward, if a summer slips by me, and I do not see 

 Selborne." 



On August 30th it is noted — 



" Finished tiling the new parlor in good condition." 



The brother mentioned by Mulso was undoubtedly 

 brother Thomas, to whose eldest son, Thomas Holt- 

 White, the house and property at Selborne were 

 originally devised by his uncle ; who, however, 

 ultimately left it to his own brother Benjamin. 

 The erection of this considerable addition to "the 

 old house at home" clearly indicates a definite 

 intention now to remain at Selborne. 



To the Rev. John White. Eingmer, Sepr. 11, 1777. 



Dear Brother, — Being informed that Mrs. Snooke was 

 seized with the palsy, and had lost the use of one side, and 

 that her speech was much impaired; and moreover that 

 she was alone by herself without any friend; I set out 

 at a day's warning, though surrounded with workmen, and 

 arrived here late last Saturday evening. I found the poor 

 old lady in a low and languishing state, though better, the 



