I know how interested you
are in the personality of Cullingworth--as every one is
who comes, even at second hand, within range of his
influence; and so you may rely upon it that I shall give
you a very full and particular account of all that
passes between us. I am looking forward immensely to
seeing him again, and I trust we won't have any rows.
Goodbye, old chap. My foot is upon the threshold of
fortune. Congratulate me.
VI.
1 THE PARADE, BRADFIELD, 7th March, 1882.
It is only two days since I wrote to you, my dear old
chap, and yet I find myself loaded to the muzzle and at
full cock again. I have come to Bradfield. I have seen
old Cullingworth once more, and I have found that all he
has told me is true. Yes; incredible as it sounded, this
wonderful fellow seems to have actually built up a great
practice in little more than a year. He really is, with
all his eccentricities, a very remarkable man, Bertie.
He doesn't seem to have a chance of showing his true
powers in this matured civilisation. The law and custom
hamper him. He is the sort of fellow who would come
right to the front in a French Revolution. Or if you put
him as Emperor over some of these little South American
States, I believe that in ten years he would either be in
his grave, or would have the Continent. Yes;
Cullingworth is fit to fight for a higher stake
than a medical practice, and on a bigger stage than an
English provincial town.
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