My dearest Mina,

I must say you tax me very unfairly with being a bad correspondent. I wrote to you twice since we parted, and your last letter was only your second. Besides, I have nothing to tell you. There is really nothing to interest you. London is very pleasant just now, and we go a great deal to picture-galleries and for walks and rides in the park. As to the tall, curly-haired man, I suppose it was the one who was with me at the last ball. Some one has evidently been telling tales.

That was Mr. Holmwood. He often comes to see us, and he and mamma get on very well together; they have so many things to talk about in common. We met some time ago a man that would just do for you, if you were not already engaged to Jonathan. He is an excellent fellow, being handsome, well off, and of good birth. He is a doctor and really clever.

Just fancy! He is only nine-and-twenty, and he has an immense lunatic asylum all under his own care. Mr. Holmwood introduced him to me, and he called here to see us, and often comes now. I think he is one of the most resolute men I ever saw, and yet the most calm. He seems absolutely imperturbable.I can fancy what a wonderful power he must have over his patients. He has a curious habit of looking one straight in the face, as if trying to read one's thoughts.

Vocabulary:

Tax: Here it means 'accuse'
Ball: A formal dance
Telling tales: Passing on information about someone
Well off: Reasonably wealthy
Of good birth: From a good (aristocratic) family
Resolute: Strong, determined
Imperturbable: Completely calm and unemotional