[Draft] [London, about 10 October 1887) 

Dear Sir, 

Having carefully considered the matter, I regret to say that it is not 
within my means to do as you ask and advance you a sum that would 
put you in a position to complete your studies. As you will be able to 

106 Letters ~ 1887 

imagine without my expressly assuring you of the fact, I have for years 
been subjected to demands from every possible quarter—and not just 
Germany and England—in an ever increasing number of cases, these 
being for the most part cases from which, for private or party consider- 
ations, I cannot possibly dissassociate myself. In this way I have 
contracted such a vast quantity of permanently recurring liabilities that 
Iam myself in some perplexity—particularly at this moment—as to how 
I am to meet them. So much so, indeed, that were I now to tie up a sum 
such as you desire for, say, 2 or 3 years, I would patently find myself 
unable to meet those obligations into which I have already entered. This 
being so, I am forced to look at your proposal from a wholly busi- 
nesslike point of view and this, unfortunately, leaves me no alternative 
but to say again how sorry I am that to comply with your wishes would 
be quite beyond my means. 

Trusting that you will succeed in obtaining the money in question 
elsewhere, I remain, 

Yours faithfully